Crawford International North Coast recently hosted the 2025 Friendship Cup, an exciting football tournament that brought together teams from across the North Coast to celebrate sportsmanship and community.
The Friendship Cup, which was launched in Johannesburg in 2017, focuses on promoting youth football and fostering camaraderie among players from diverse backgrounds. After a two-year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the event has returned with great success, expanding its reach to new regions. The Coastal Schools Football Association’s Chairperson, Stef Crasso, highlighted the tournament’s importance, stating, “The importance of these festivals and tournaments is promoting youth football and providing an opportunity for players from diverse socio-economic backgrounds to come together and compete.”
This year, the North Coast instalment saw an even larger turnout, with more teams competing than in previous years. In the U15 division, Sastri College took the top spot, followed by Crawford North Coast in second, Ashton College in third, and Durban North College in fourth. In the U19 tournament, Sastri College once again secured first place, with Redwood College in second and Durban North College rounding out the top three.
Individual awards were also presented to standout players and teams. Curro Salt Rock was recognised with the Best Spirit award. The Golden Gloves award went to Sastri College’s goalkeeper, Thulazsizwe Mkhize, while his teammate, Mikel Agu, earned the Golden Boot. The Best Coaches awards were given to Zanga Simelane of Crawford North Coast and Dean Matthew of St Benedict’s.
Jacques Botha, Director of Sport at Crawford North Coast, shared his thoughts on the successful event. “The Friendship Cup is more than just a sporting event – it’s a celebration of teamwork, respect and the bonds we build through competition,” he said. “This tournament has inspired healthy rivalry, showcased talent and most importantly, forged lasting friendships that will outlive the final whistle. It has been an unforgettable experience both on and off the field.”
