Eastern Cape’s Highbury FC has defied the odds to become the 2024 ABC Motsepe National Playoffs Champions. The team secured their title with a 2-0 victory over Mpumalanga’s Kruger United in the final match held on Sunday.
Highbury FC’s journey to the championship was nothing short of remarkable. The team clinched the title thanks to a brace from Mzoxolo Rafani, who also earned the top goal scorer of the tournament award with a total of three goals. Highbury’s achievement is even more impressive considering they were the last club to qualify for the National Playoffs.
The team played their qualifying match on Saturday, June 15, 2024, securing the title of Eastern Cape Champions. Without missing a beat, they traveled to Upington the following day to register for the tournament and prepare for their opening match. Highbury FC showed no signs of fatigue as they defeated Mangaung United from the Free State 1-0 in their first game.
Highbury FC continued their strong performance by topping Group B with one win and one draw, which advanced them to the semi-finals.
In the semi-finals, they triumphed over Njampela FC from KwaZulu Natal with a 1-0 victory, earning their spot in the final.
As the champions of the 2024 ABC Motsepe National Playoffs, Highbury FC will receive R1.25 million. As per the league sponsors, the Motsepe Foundation, the team must allocate R250,000 of their winnings towards developing their region.
Kruger United, the tournament’s runner-up, will be awarded R600,000, with R250,000 also earmarked for football development in their region.
In addition to the team awards, several individual honors were handed out. Seun Ndlovu of Kruger United received the Player of the Tournament award, while Highbury FC’s Mzoxolo Rafani was recognized as the top goal scorer. The Assistant Referee of the Tournament award went to Maneo Tau, and Tshidiso Mzwanazi was named Referee of the Tournament.
Highbury FC’s victory and the individual accolades highlight the talent and dedication within the ABC Motsepe National Playoffs, promising a bright future for South African football.
