The 2025 edition of the Pirates Cup wrapped up in electrifying fashion at Marks Park, where history was written and new champions emerged under the Johannesburg sun. After a weekend of non-stop action and intense competition, Lerumo Lions lifted the Men’s U-21 title, while Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies stormed to their first-ever women’s crown — both edging their finals with hard-fought 1-0 victories.

A New Reign Begins

For the Sundowns Ladies, it was a moment of redemption and triumph. A precise finish by Lumka Qhekeka secured their narrow win over 2023 finalists University of Johannesburg (UJ) Ladies in a tightly-contested final. The Tshwane outfit’s journey through the tournament was marked by grit and consistency, culminating in a maiden Pirates Cup win that saw them bank the R50,000 grand prize and etch their name in the competition’s growing legacy.

In the men’s final, it was Bongani Mpini who stepped up early for Lerumo Lions, firing home the match-winning goal against Orlando Pirates U-21s — who were aiming for their first title since 2018. The Lions from the North West held firm against relentless pressure from the tournament hosts to seal a famous win.

Path to the Podium

The road to the final was no walk in the park. In the women’s division, Banyana Ba Style edged Wits Ladies 1-0 in the semifinal, while UJ Ladies battled through a dramatic penalty shootout after a goalless draw with defending champs JVW. This set the stage for a showdown between two perennial contenders who had previously come close — but in 2025, it was Sundowns’ moment.

Wits Ladies didn’t leave empty-handed either. After overcoming JVW in the third-place playoff via penalties, they celebrated the outstanding performance of Bonolo Mokoma, who walked away with both the Golden Boot (7 goals) and MVP award. A glittering end to a strong campaign for the forward.

On the men’s side, UJ and Wits both fell in semifinals decided by the nerve-wracking roulette of penalties. Last year’s champs, UJ, were knocked out by the Buccaneers, while Lerumo Lions narrowly got past Wits in another tense shootout. In the third-place match, Wits bounced back to beat UJ, ensuring a podium finish for both their men’s and women’s teams.

Aside from team triumphs, individual stars lit up the pitch. Lucky Malatsi of Lerumo Lions was crowned MVP for his midfield wizardry that dictated play throughout the tournament. Meanwhile, Emalahleni United’s Alfred Kwanele claimed the Golden Boot with five goals to his name, proving his worth as one of the competition’s standout talents.

From 64 ambitious teams across the nation and beyond to the final roar of the whistle, the 2025 Pirates Cup delivered football at its finest. With fresh champions and breakout stars, this year’s edition didn’t just crown winners — it launched legacies.

As the dust settles on another thrilling tournament, one thing’s clear: the Pirates Cup isn’t just a platform for young talent — it’s a proving ground for the future of South African football.