Philly’s Games 2025 Officially Launched in Tembisa
On Tuesday, 16 December 2025, Philly’s Games (www.phillysgames.co.za) officially launched the highly anticipated Philly’s Games 2025 Tournament, marking the beginning of another historic chapter for one of South Africa’s most iconic community football events. The launch was streamed live and can be watched here:
The launch was proudly brought to you by NR Studios and Thembisa Online, with football fans and community members tuning in to witness the unveiling of the tournament bracket, teams, and full match itinerary. Branded with the rallying call “Ziyakhala ❤✌⚽️”, the tournament officially kicks off on 20 December 2025 at EMA Seven, Ivory Park (Ma Seven).
Tournament Structure & Teams
The Philly’s Games 2025 tournament will feature 24 teams competing in a knockout-only format, with each round played over two legs and no away goals rule. If fixtures end in a draw, matches will go straight to a penalty shoot-out using the ABBA format.
Seeded Teams (Starting in the Last 16):
Mudagasi FC
One Lion FC
Isithembiso FC
Skepe Nketole FC
Destroyers FC
Gomora United
Musa United
You First FC
Unseeded Teams:
Hot B Team FC
Amandla FC
Fire Sniper FC
Phaphama FC
Rinkase Best11 FC
Mogodumo United
Abarondoli FC
Futhi Futhi FC
Legends Café
Ambassadors FC
Lookyland FC
Shashalaza FC
Edenvale Stars FC
Shaka United FC
Sunrise FC
Jagermeister FC
Progression will follow: First Round → Last 16 → Quarter-Finals → Semi-Finals → Final.
Tournament Dates & Venues
The 13-day off-season tournament runs from 20 December 2025 to 3 January 2026, with a break on 25 December.
20–22 Dec | Match Day 1–3
EMA Seven, Ivory Park
587 88th Ave, Ivory Park, Midrand
Surface: Dusty Pitch23, 24, 26 Dec | Match Day 4–6
Etafuleni Ground, Ivory Park
Ngonyama Street
Surface: Dusty Pitch27–29 Dec | Match Day 7–9
Phomolong Grounds, Tembisa
Theka Street
Surface: Dusty Pitch30, 31 Dec & 2 Jan | Match Day 10–12
Esiqongweni Grounds, Tembisa
Himalaya Street
Surface: Grass Field03 Jan | Match Day 13 (Finals)
Mehlareng Stadium, Tembisa
Rev RTJ Namane Street
Surface: Grass Field
Prize Money
1st Prize: R220,000
2nd Prize: R80,000
3rd Prize: R30,000
4th Prize: R20,000
A Legacy Beyond Football
Founded in 1992, Philly’s Games were born out of a need to restore peace amid political conflict in Tembisa. What began with just two teams has grown into a nationally respected tournament with a 33-year legacy, attracting over 13,000 spectators daily and featuring PSL stars, ex-PSL players, local talent, and youth teams (U13, U15 & U17).
The tournament remains deeply rooted in community upliftment, consistently giving back through donations to the homeless, HIV homes, and schools, while offering thousands the opportunity to watch top-level football live in their own neighbourhoods.
Leadership Voices
Addressing perceptions around township football, Cameron Mathebula, COO of Philly’s Games, emphasized the tournament’s role in player exposure:
This tournament is about exposure. There are limited spaces in the PSL and NFD. These boys must compete here to be seen. Calling it a kasi tournament ignores the opportunities it creates.
Finny Mathebula, the Founder, CEO and Chairman of Philly’s Games echoed a message of unity, ownership, and responsibility, stressing that the Games belong to the community and continue to stand for positive values, youth development, and respect—especially in the fight against GBV.
Philly’s Games 2025 is proudly brought to you by Visit Gauteng, Gauteng Province, Libra Sports, and Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, as the tournament once again promises 13 unforgettable days of football, music, culture, and festive-season excitement in Tembisa.
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