Fresh from winning the 2025 Hollywoodbets Super League with Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies in South Africa, as well as lifting the trophy in the second edition of the CAF U17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament (GIFT) with the Brazilians’ Ladies Youth Team in Zimbabwe where she was the assistant coach, midfielder Kholosa Biyana still managed to put smiles on the faces of her community.
Through the Kholosa Biyana Foundation, in partnership with Adidas, her personal technical sponsor, and Spar, they hosted the inaugural Clarkebury Community Football Tournament where she grew up in Engcobo, Eastern Cape.
The one-day event took place on Friday, 26 December 2025.
It featured eight men’s teams who battled it out for top honours, while there were three ladies’ sides that compete in the SAFA League (Sasol League) – Eastern Cape Peace Lovers, Sapphire Girls and Coastal United.
“The aim was to develop talent and reward excellence in the sporting community – mine was just to provide a platform for them to showcase what they are made off, because this is also how I got the opportunity to play abroad, to play for Banyana Banyana and to be part of Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies,” said an excited Biyana.
“I need to take this opportunity to convey my greatest gratitude to the generous support from Adidas, AQuelle, Red Bull and Spar – without whom this would not be possible. Thanks to them that all eight participating teams were gifted with brand-new playing kits, professionalizing their appearance and boosting team morale. Also, the three ladies’ teams were each handed 20 pairs of Adidas boots, ensuring that these athletes are equipped with world-class footwear to continue their journey in the game.”
Among those in attendance were the Eastern Cape MEC of the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC), Sibulele Ngongo, Local Mayor Sibulele Zangqa, the Local Chief, and the Ward Councilor.
“Their presence was a clear show of support for grassroots sports development, and this underscored the importance of sport in fostering community spirit and providing opportunities for youth in the region,” added Biyana.
Xhalanga United from Engcobo, Cala won the men’s division after defeating local team Premier City 4-3 on penalties after a 1-all draw at regulation time.
The victorious team walked away with a grand prize of five-thousand-rand (R5000.00) and the two finalists were gifted with 20 pairs each of Adidas soccer boots.
In the individual category, the Player of the Match in each game also took home a pair of soccer boots.
There was an even greater prize for the special category winners: the Player of the Tournament, Most Promising Player, Goalkeeper of the Tournament and the Top Goal Scorer – they each received a pair of soccer boots and a five-hundred-rand (R500) SPAR grocery voucher.
But there was no winner in the ladies’ side as the goal was for them to participate and be part of the event to prepare them better for the next edition.
”This tournament was about more than just the results on the scoreboard; it was about investing in the dignity and the future of our players. With the help of our sponsors, we are helping these athletes bridge the gap between amateur play and their professional aspirations,” said Biyana.
“Our mission as the Kholosa Biyana Foundation is to create an equal opportunity for young boys and girls in under-resourced communities, to promote a society where every child regardless of their ability, has access to quality sport and educational opportunity that unlocks potential and foster sustainable personal growth.”
The former University of the Western Cape (UWC) player believes this is the start of new and exciting things around her community and plans to return with a bigger and even better version of the tournament in 2026.
“A big thank you to all the participants for making it possible for this event to take place, as well as the parents and volunteers who assisted in making it come to life. This tournament brought people together, to some it brought hope and some joy. But to us as a foundation, we are trying to break social, ethical and economic barriers. It’s a platform for people of all ages and abilities to participate, we are also trying to create a positive outcome in the fight against crime and drugs, and to promote an active lifestyle,” concluded Biyana.
“By hosting such an event, we are also trying to put pressure on the local government and local schools to improve their facilities so that we can have better athletes. And for those who thought it was impossible, this is where I also started, in programs like these. I just want to say, never give up.”
This is not the first time the Kholosa Biyana Foundation is involved at grassroots level. In 2024 she was part of the ‘Lace Up For Change’ initiative in partnership with Adidas where they handed out 50 pairs of training sneakers and about 40 soccer balls to young footballers in Mthata.
For further enquiries:
ZETHU BIYANA
DIRECTOR, secretary
+27 71 884 6053
Kholosabiyanafoundation@gmail.com
