The Maluti-A-Phofung Local Football Association (MAPLFA) LFA CUP 2026 officially kicked off on 13 June 2026, during the Youth Day long weekend, with matches played daily until 16 June 2026.

The dates of the tournament were intentionally chosen to coincide with Youth Day, a day that commemorates the courage and sacrifices of the youth of 1976. The tournament therefore served not only as a celebration of football, but also as a tribute to the resilience, potential and importance of young people in South Africa.

The opening matches were played across different streams and towns within Maluti-A-Phofung. These included the Kestell Stream, Harrismith Stream, and two QwaQwa streams: the Bluegumbosch/Makwane Stream and the Makhalaneng/Thababosiu Stream.

Teams competed in their respective age divisions, with the winners of the different streams progressing to the LFA CUP Playoffs.

On Saturday, 20 June 2026, the winners and qualifying teams from the different streams met at Bluegumbosch for the highly anticipated LFA CUP Playoffs.

The playoffs brought together some of the best-performing teams from across the region.

Under 11

The qualifying teams were:

• Innocentus FC

• Athletico FC

Under 13

The qualifying teams were:

• Congo All Stars FC

• Sheffield FC

• Dinaledi Tsa Koeneng FC

• Estrela FC

Under 15

The qualifying teams were:

• Dinaledi Tsa Koeneng FC

• Tshiame Chelsea FC

• Athletico FC

• Gunners FC

Under 17

The qualifying teams were:

• Kasi Team Academy

• Mkhonto FC

• Estrela FC

Under 19

The Under 19 division consisted of a single stream, with three teams qualifying for the finals:

• Africana Stars FP

• Athletico FC

• Bright and Golden Stars FC

After a competitive tournament and exciting playoff stage, the 2026 LFA CUP champions were crowned.

Congratulations to the 2026 Champions

🏆 Under 11: Innocentus FC

🏆 Under 13: Congo All Stars FC

🏆 Under 15: Tshiame Chelsea FC

🏆 Under 17: Kasi Team Academy

🏆 Under 19: Africana Stars FP

The Maluti-A-Phofung Local Football Association congratulates all the champions, finalists, participating teams, players, coaches, officials, volunteers and supporters who contributed to the success of the 2026 LFA CUP.

The tournament was a celebration of football, youth development and community. From the opening matches across the different streams to the final playoff stage in Bluegumbosch, the competition brought communities together and provided young footballers with the opportunity to compete, grow and showcase their talent.

The success of the LFA CUP 2026 would not have been possible without the commitment and participation of everyone involved.

The Maluti-A-Phofung Local Football Association looks forward to building on this success and continuing to create meaningful opportunities for football development across the region.

Congratulations to all the 2026 LFA CUP champions!