Highbury FC of the Eastern Cape defeated Kruger United of Mpumalanga 2-0 in the championship game on Sunday to become the 2024 ABC Motsepe National Playoffs Champions in Upington, Northern Cape. On Saturday, June 15, 2024, the team competed in their qualification match to become the Eastern Cape Champions. The next day, they had to make the trip to Upington in order to register in time for their tournament opening match. They ignored this and defeated the Free State team Mangaung United 1-0. After one victory and one draw, Highbury FC went on to win group B and go to the semi-finals. They then secured their spot in the championship game by defeating Njampela FC of KwaZulu Natal 1-0 in the semifinals. As the winners of the 2024 ABC Motsepe National Playoffs, Highbury FC will take home R1.25 million; however, they will also need to spend R250 000 on regional development. As runners-up, Kruger United will get R600,000; additionally, the league sponsors, the Motsepe Foundation, have mandated that R250, 000 be used for local football development.

Journalist: Asathaba Grootboom
Email: asathabagrootboom2018@gmail.com