DTNF Announces the 2025 Heritage Cup at the Live Draw Launch
Mbombela, Mpumalanga – Friday, 14 November 2025
The Dr Thulani Ngwenya Foundation (DTNF) in partnership with SAFA Ehlanzeni, Hollywoodbets, RISE fm, aQuelle and the Forek Institute of Technology is proud to officially launch the 2025 edition of the DTNF Heritage Cup, which elevates township football to new heights.This year’s Heritage Cup Live Draw took place on Friday, 14 November 2025 where the Foundation unveiled the 8 participating teams, 04 male teams and 04 female teams which will compete in this year’s restructured tournament.
The 2025 DTNF Heritage Cup tournament will culminate in an exciting semi-final and final weekend scheduled for 29–30 November 2025 at the KaBokweni Stadium in Mbombela.Revealed Teams for the 2025 Heritage CupMALE TEAMS:o Minando FCo BlockA Never Dieo Bakoena Chiefso Rolle United FCFEMALE TEAMS:o Easthigh Ladies FCo Schoemansdal Young Stars Ladies FCo Thaba Chweu Boarding Ladieso Crystal Ladies FC
A Bolder and More Inclusive Heritage Cup The much anticipated 2025 tournament marks a significant evolution from last year’s inaugural edition. The cup now features:• 4x Male Teams.• 4 Female Teams.• Winners from both male & females will receive R20 000 prize money, Winners take all.• All participating teams to receive “New Kits”• A full league-cup structure, with knockout stages leading into the final weekend.• A strong emphasis on women’s football development in alignment with DTNF’s pillars of inclusivity and youth empowerment.•
A celebration of community excellence, homegrown talent and cultural pride during Heritage Month’s spring season extension.The 2025 format strengthens the tournament’s mission to create opportunities, revive township football culture as well as position Mpumalanga as a hub of rising sporting excellence.Leaders Welcome the Return of the Heritage CupThe Live Draw ceremony hosted partners, sporting leaders and community representatives who continue to support the Foundation’s goal of transforming lives through sports.“When Dr Ngwenya and the DTNF team reached out to us, we knew immediately that this was a vision we had to stand behind.
The Heritage Cup is not just a football tournament, it is a platform that uplifts communities, empowers young people and restores pride in township sport. Hollywoodbets is committed to walking this journey with DTNF, because we believe in their mission, we believe in the future of these athletes as well as we believe in the power of sport to change lives. Heeding their call was not a decision; it was a responsibility we proudly embrace.”— Ms Lindokuhle, DTNF Commits to Expanding OpportunitiesSpeaking ahead of the Live Draw, Dr Thulani Ngwenya (Chairperson of DTNF), reiterated the Foundation’s core purpose:male and female athletes, creating a platform where talent meets opportunity. We expect scouts, clubs and stakeholders to witness a new generation of football excellence born here in Mpumalanga the place of the Rising Sun. For us it is simple:
if we can change one life, we have changed a community.”The Foundation expects that this year’s tournament will unearth even more talent, than it did last year especially among the young female athletes who will be gaining increased visibility through this tournament.Tournament Weekend – (29–30 November 2025)The 2025 DTNF Heritage Cup will reach its climax at KaBokweni Stadium where:
• All semi-finals and finals (male and female) will be played.
• Champions will be crowned in front of thousands of supporters,
• Winning teams will receive a trophy, medals and a new full kit.
• The region’s top talent will showcase their skills for better exposure.
• Entry remains free for the public, ensuring families, supporters and football lovers can experience two days of world-class township football.Acknowledgement of PartnersDTNF extends deep gratitude to its core partners, Hollywoodbets, SAFA Ehlanzeni, RISE fm, aQuelle, and The Forek Institute of Technology for their unwavering support in turning the Heritage Cup into a flagship sporting event in the province.It’s the Best of the Best. It’s Kasi vs Kasi. It’s Winner Takes All.
The excitement is building Mbombela, get ready!About the Dr Thulani Ngwenya Foundation (DTNF)The Dr Thulani Ngwenya Foundation is a community driven organisation dedicated to transforming the ordinary lives of young Africans through education, sports, sports science and social development. Led by Dr Thulani Ngwenya an internationally recognised sports physician, author and humanitarian. The Foundation seeks to empower the next generation of global citizens through innovative, impact-based programmes rooted in service, opportunity and excellence. About Dr Thulani Ngwenya
Qualifications:
Travel Medicine
Current Positions:
✔ CAF Medical Officer & Medical Commission Member
✔ COSAFA Medical Officer
✔ SAFA Chief Medical Officer
✔ SASCOC Medical Officer
✔ FIFA Doping Control Officer
✔ Director – Xhilumane Health Care Solutions
✔ Director – Dr Thulani Ngwenya Foundation
✔ Author – Sports Medicine: My Love & Passion
BSc Biological Sciences
Honours in Environmental Management
MBChB
MSc Sports Medicine
PG Diploma in Occupational Medicine & Health
Diploma in Football Medicine – FIFA
