By: Progress Mashego

Mandela Warriors FC hosted a Top 3 Valentine’s Day Under-14 Tournament at Shatale Stadium on Saturday, 14 February 2026, treating local football fans to an exciting afternoon of youth football.

The tournament kicked off at midday with the hosts, Mandela Warriors, facing their long-time rivals Black Pirates from Zone 3, Magraskop. The first half was tightly contested, with both teams cancelling each other out as the match went into the break goalless.

Mandela Warriors came out firing in the second half, opening the scoring shortly after the restart. Fifteen minutes later, the hosts doubled their lead, taking firm control of the match. Despite several attempts by Black Pirates to pull one back, Mandela Warriors remained solid at the back.

In the closing stages, the hosts added two more goals to seal an emphatic 4–0 victory and send a clear message to their rivals.

The second match of the tournament saw Black Pirates take on Deco United. Black Pirates wasted no time, scoring twice in the first half to take a 2–0 lead into the interval. In the second half, they added a third goal and entertained supporters with confident play as the match ended 3–0 in their favour.

The final was scheduled to be contested between Mandela Warriors FC and Black Pirates, but Black Pirates declined to play, citing player fatigue following their earlier heavy defeat. As a result, the spoils of the tournament were shared.

The event showcased promising young talent and highlighted the importance of grassroots football development in the community.