Skepe Nketole and Rinkase XI March Into Philly’s Games Final
Friday, 02 January 2026 – Day 12 | Philly’s Games Tembisa Seniors
Day 12 of the Philly’s Games Tembisa Seniors marked the third and final day at Esqongweni Sports Ground, and it did not disappoint. With kick-off at 14:00, the stakes were clear: a place in the grand final at Mehlareng Stadium. The excitement was amplified by a major announcement—today’s games and the final would be broadcast live on SABC Plus, placing township football firmly on the national stage.
Semi-Final 1
Isithembiso FC vs Rinkase XI
Aggregate Score (Before): 1–1
The opening semi-final was a tense, hard-fought battle.
45’ GOAL – Rinkase XI: Lehlohonolo “Fariki” Morobi tapped in from a corner to put Rinkase ahead. The goal took Morobi to six goals in the tournament.
Half-Time: Isithembiso FC 0–1 Rinkase XI (Aggregate: 1–2)
Isithembiso responded after the break.
50’ GOAL – Isithembiso FC: Mduduzi “Sugar Mapapa” Mabaso restored parity, making it 2–2 on aggregate.
Full-time ended 1–1, forcing penalties. In a dramatic shootout, Rinkase XI triumphed 4–3 on penalties, sealing their place in the final after a remarkable run from day one of the tournament.
Semi-Final 2
Musa United vs Skepe Nketole
Aggregate Score (Before): Skepe leading 2–1
Skepe Nketole showed composure and maturity on the big stage.
32’ GOAL – Skepe: Tupelo “Super” Maduna broke the deadlock, extending Skepe’s aggregate lead.
Half-Time: Musa United 0–1 Skepe Nketole (Aggregate: 1–3)
Skepe tightened their grip in the second half.
50’ GOAL – Skepe: Thomas Kgobe doubled the lead, pushing the aggregate score to 4–1.
At full-time, Skepe Nketole won 2–0 on the day, comfortably advancing to the final with authority.
Voices From the Touchline
Former SuperSport commentator Arnold Rangkoko, alongside Philly’s Games commentator Vincent Pala, praised the tournament’s depth and momentum, highlighting Rinkase XI’s journey from the early rounds and Skepe Nketole’s consistency and pace
Fika Mokwana from Ekurhuleni Tourism emphasised the importance of sports tourism, noting how Philly’s Games continues to showcase Gauteng’s talent to the world and position Tembisa as a hub for elite grassroots football.
Eyes on Mehlareng Stadium
With the finalists confirmed—Skepe Nketole vs Rinkase XI—all roads now lead to Mehlareng Stadium on Saturday, 03 January 2026.
Fixtures – Day 13 (Finals Day):
09:00 – 3rd Place Playoff: Isithembiso vs Musa United
11:00 – U/13 Final: Gauteng Santos vs Khathaza
12:00 – U/15 Final: Bollox FC vs Dribbling Wizards
13:00 – U/17 Final: Legends FC vs JHB Elite
14:00 – Masters Curtain Raiser: Alex Masters vs Tembisa Masters
15:30 – Senior Final: Skepe Nketole vs Rinkase XI
Tickets:
General Access: R30
VIP Access: R250
Available at Computicket ( Shoprite/Checkers), Webticket (Pick n Pay), Quicket, or online at https://phillysgames.co.za/tickets/
Gates open at 10:00
Philly’s Games Tembisa is proudly brought to you by Visit Gauteng, Libra Sports, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, and Vodacom.
The stage is set. The moment has arrived.
#FillUpMehlareng | See you at the final!
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