Magesi vs Sekhukhune United

The first half was a tightly contested affair with few clear chances. Sekhukhune United, the more experienced Premiership side, controlled possession but struggled to break down a disciplined Magesi defence. The provider data confirms the score was 0-0 at the interval.

Magesi, who had beaten Venda FC 1-0 in the earlier semi-final courtesy of a Bafedile Baloyi goal, held their shape well into the second half. But the breakthrough eventually arrived through Mncube, the seasoned attacker who had been among the most vocal supporters of Kaze's methods in pre-season interviews with Goal.

The precise minute of Mncube's goal is not available from official match data, but reports from FARPost and social media posts from the tournament confirm the 34-year-old found the net to separate the sides. Sekhukhune managed the game out from there to seal a 1-0 victory and lift the trophy.

Kaze's decision to introduce fresh legs from the bench in the second half shifted the momentum. After a goalless first 45 minutes in which Magesi's young side had more than held their own, the extra quality and depth of the Premiership outfit began to tell. Mncube's goal was the culmination of sustained pressure, and once ahead, Sekhukhune's defensive organisation — a hallmark of Kaze's early work at the club — ensured they saw out the result without alarm.

Vusimuzi Mncube (Sekhukhune United) — The veteran forward scored the decisive goal and was a constant threat with his movement in behind. His experience proved the difference against a youthful Magesi defence. Player of the Match.

Kabelo Sibiya (Magesi FC head coach) — Started six DDC players in the final and saw his side create chances against an established Premiership opponent. "I'm extremely happy with how we pressed," he told the club's official website afterwards.

Bafedile Baloyi (Magesi FC) — Scored the semi-final winner against Venda FC that sent Magesi through to the final.

The provider data shows a goalless first half, which tells the story of two sides still in pre-season mode working on defensive shape. The H2H record now reads three Sekhukhune wins and one draw from four meetings, with Sekhukhune unbeaten in all four. The 1-0 scoreline is the third time this fixture has produced exactly one goal — the only draw was a 1-1 in 2025. In a pre-season tournament where both teams played two 90-minute matches in one day, the single-goal margins in both semi-finals and the final reflect the cautious, fitness-building approach typical of late-July friendlies.

Sekhukhune United lift the inaugural Mafori Cup and collect R250,000 in prize money — a significant sum by pre-season tournament standards. More importantly, the trophy gives Kaze early momentum and a tangible result to point to as he builds his methods at Babina Noko. The club's next competitive fixture will be the start of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season in August.

For Magesi, finishing as runners-up (R150,000 in prize money) represents a creditable showing against top-flight opposition. The experience of six DDC players in the final will be valuable for their development. Magesi will also begin their Betway Premiership campaign in the coming weeks, aiming to build on a pre-season that saw them beat Venda FC and compete well with Sekhukhune.

A typical pre-season final — tight, physical, decided by a single moment of quality. The result itself matters less than the evidence it provides: Sekhukhune United's structure under Kaze is taking shape, and Magesi's willingness to trust youth bodes well for their season. Mncube's winner was the kind of cool-headed finish that only experience delivers.