LOBAMBA – The 2025 Build it National Championships saw Manzini Under-13s crowned the winners after defeating dethroned champions Mbabane 4-1 in the finals.
This year’s edition featured eight teams from the Build it stores nationwide battling for the championship, held at the Somhlolo National Stadium yesterday.
The last national championships, which saw Mbabane Build it Plus crowned the champions were hosted at the Mavuso Sports Centre. The Sonnyboy ‘Chillies’ Nkhoma-coached side players were each given E500 towards their school expenses.
Coming back to yesterday’s games, Manzini was in an uncompromising mood as they run riot to the dethroned champions. This made a number of their players earn individual accolades, the likes of Simphiwe Tsabedze, who was named the midfielder and player of the tournament.
The son to the former national team Sihlangu and Young Buffaloes midfield maestro Mphile ‘Nyandoro’ Tsabedze went home with Build it merchandise, a trophy and E10 000 for a bursary, which Build it has dispersed over the last 20 years of the competition.
Speaking on his achievement, Tsabedze noted that he had been working very hard and was happy to have won the tournament. “It has been a long time since we won the tournament and I am happy that we won it this year,” expressed Tsabedze.
He shared that he is grateful for the coaches he has had both in the Build it team and his domestic side, Royal Leopard for the guidance he has been given. “In future, I want to play for Young Buffaloes like my father and hopefully for Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa and Arsenal in England,” added the youngster.
He further shared that his favourite player in the country at the moment is Royal Leopard’s Thokozani ‘Thikithi’ Dlamini.
Moreover, the youngsters’ mother, Jabu Tsabedze, was also present to witness her son’s prolific performance, where she shared that other parents must learn to support their children.
“I am over the moon today, seeing my child win brings so much joy to me. I want to encourage other parents to support their children in their football journey as well as their schooling journey as it is most important,” remarked Jabu.
She further shared that there is a lot of talent within these youngsters and as parents they should make sure that they are supportive in everything they need, citing the likes of soccer boots, as a common commodity the youngsters request from them.
“Don’t say no when your child asks to go play football or training. In fact, make sure that you support them with those soccer boots, even though we don’t have money, but try to get them what they need,” added Tsabedze.
Meanwhile, Build it Regional Executive Member, Trys Wentzel applauded all the players for their tenacity on the field. “I think we owe every player a huge round of applause. They played their hearts out and we are so proud of you. We have really enjoyed the day and appreciate all the support from the various stakeholders,” said Wentzel.
