THE MUCH-anticipated Sol Plaatje Masters Football League Easter Tournament kicks off on Friday, April 18 2025, at 10am at the SANDF Diskobolos Sports Grounds in Kimberley.

With 41 teams ready to showcase their talent over the long weekend, excitement is building across the city for what promises to be a thrilling football spectacle.

Last year’s champions, Diamond Park Masters, will be returning to the field with confidence and determination as they aim to defend their title after a memorable 2024 tournament victory over the formidable Aztec Masters. Their opening fixture against Pescodia Masters is scheduled for 11.10am on Ground A.

Chairperson of the Sol Plaatje Masters Football League, Seabata Makhele, highlighted the tournament’s significance both on and off the field. “The Sol Plaatje Masters Football League's Easter Soccer Tournament has been played for over 10 years now. The tournament for the 2025 season will be contested by 41 clubs affiliated to the league,” Makhele explained.

“On the issue of favourites for this year – there are no favourites. The standard of football played by clubs has improved dramatically, and there's a number of dark horses that might upset the apple carts,” he continued.

Makhele also emphasised the importance of the chosen venue: “The tournament will be played at the Diskobolos Soccer Fields, as it's the only venue that can accommodate the magnitude of such a tournament in terms of logistics.”

More than just a celebration of sport, the tournament plays a vital role in the local economy and community development. “This year has seen a lot of interest from partners willing to come on board and invest in the tournament,” said Makhele.

“The tournament also serves as an avenue for small businesses to generate income and revenue to sustain their operations, leveraging the massive crowds that will attend the event.”

Weekend of Football, Fellowship, and Festivity

From Friday morning to Monday afternoon, the soccer action will roll on, with knockout rounds, semi-finals, and ultimately, the grand final set to determine who will lift the prestigious Easter Tournament trophy this year.

As always, the Diskobolos Soccer Fields will come alive with the sounds of cheering fans, music, food vendors, and soccer fans cheering their teams on. Football lovers, families, and friends will be out in full force, turning the event into a cultural celebration as much as a sporting one.

Whether it’s the crowd roaring after a spectacular goal, vendors selling local delicacies under colourful gazebos, or old friends reconnecting over a shared passion for the beautiful game, the Sol Plaatje Masters Easter Tournament continues to embody the spirit of community.

Who are Diamond Park Masters?

The defending champions, Diamond Park Masters – affectionately known as “Diamonds” – are a grassroots community club based in Greenpoint, Kimberley.

Established in 2022, the club is proudly player-owned and operates with limited resources, relying on the contributions of its players to keep things running.

Despite the financial constraints, the club has made significant strides. In the 2023 season, they finished 14th in the league standings but bounced back strongly to secure a 5th place finish in 2024. Their rise in form culminated in them being crowned Easter Tournament champions in 2024, having previously only reached the knockout stages in 2023.

With their navy blue home colours and unwavering determination, Diamond Park aims to inspire their community through their mission: "To foster a love for the game, develop well-rounded players, and promote positive values through sportsmanship, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence, both on and off the field."

So for football fans and supporters of the various Masters teams participating this Easter Weekend, the formula is simple: grab your camp chair, put on your team’s colours, and head to the SANDF Diskobolos Sports Grounds – Kimberley’s biggest Masters football tournament is here, and it’s going to be epic.

The opening day will see 20 high-energy matches across four fields at the Diskobolos grounds. Here is a breakdown of the Friday schedule:

Day 1 Fixtures – Friday, April 18 2025

10am Matches

Witdam Masters vs Lerato Park (Ground A)
City Eagles vs Milan (Ground B)
Shooting Stars vs Tigers Masters (Ground C)
Diamond Boys vs Reliance Birds (Ground D)

11.10am Matches

Diamond Park vs Pescodia Masters (Ground A)
Phutanang Masters vs Meteors Masters (Ground B)
Five Masters vs Macarena (Ground C)
Saps Masters vs Barcelona Masters (Ground D)

12.20pm Matches

Naughty Boys vs Vultures (Ground A)
Copper Masters vs Young Pirates (Ground B)
Diamond Phoenix vs Masokolara (Ground C)
Newtown Masters vs Riverton Masters (Ground D)

1.30pm Matches

Saints Masters vs Aztec Masters (Ground A)
Batlhaping Legends vs Greenpoint Masters (Ground B)
Newtown Sundowns vs Jeppez Masters (Ground C)
Roodepan Masters vs Ritchie Masters (Ground D)

2.40pm Matches

Sunshine Warriors vs Kopano Masters (Ground A)
Zulu Sweepers vs Colville Masters (Ground B)
Rhodesian Sweepers vs Juventus Masters (Ground C)
Crusaders Masters vs Real Madrid (Ground D)

Note: Burning Spear has a bye in the first round.

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