Delmas–In a match that had the Gomasakho Sports roaring with excitement, Delpark United delivered a stunning performance to claim a commanding 4–1 victory over Top Killers in the top 4 local football tournament final on 4 October 2025.
The tournament brought together some of Delmas’s most competitive sides, Top Killers, Vukuzenzele Palace, and The Boys, giving fans an action-packed weekend of grassroots football.In the semifinals, Top Killers booked their spot with a 3-1 win over Vukuzenzele Palace 3–1, while Delpark United breezed past The Boys 4–1, setting the stage for an explosive finale.And it was explosive. Led by star striker Mpho Naketi, who netted a memorable hat-trick, Delpark United dominated possession and pace from kickoff to final whistle.
Naketi’s clinical finishing earned him the top scorer of the tournament title and cemented his place as a local fan favourite.
“Yesterday’s victory brought back hope, unity, and teamwork to the club,” said head coach Paul Phiri. “We practise weekly as we prepare for the upcoming league and local tournaments. Our focus now is to improve fitness and tactical formation. I see a bright future for this team.”
Phiri credited the win to consistent training, strategic play, and passionate fan support.
“We use tactical formations from the first half to full-time, and we’ve worked hard to fix our challenges from the early games,” he added. “We appreciate our fans—they helped us a lot, especially in the final.”
Despite the defeat, Top Killers coach Kennett Nkosinathi Thukwana praised Delpark United’s performance and remained optimistic about his side’s progress.“Yes, I made adjustments because we were playing 4-4-2, and I switched to 3-5-2 to be more active,” said Thukwana. “I gave other players a chance to play while resting some regular starters. Referee decisions sometimes affected us, but we’ll learn and come back stronger.”
He added that Top Killers are already refocusing for upcoming fixtures, with an eye on confidence and consistency.
Among the spectators was local football enthusiast and photographer Molamodi Mpho, who lauded both teams and organisers for their professionalism and passion.“The boys showed good performance, teamwork, and football spirit—especially in the final,” he said. “As a development club, Delpark United is improving at another level. I see success ahead and look forward to capturing more games as Delmas football keeps growing.”
With their emphatic win, Delpark United have sent a clear message to rivals ahead of the Local Football Association (LFA) league. Coach Phiri confirmed that preparations are already underway.
“Tomorrow we have an LFA match, and we’re fully prepared. I plan to add more skills, tactics, and fitness to the boys while giving young players a chance to grow in football.”
The top 4 tournament not only celebrated Delpark United’s triumph but also showcased the rising calibre of grassroots football in Delmas, proving that passion, unity, and dedication remain the true heartbeat of the local game.
