01/06/2026
MAYOR'S CUP 2026: KNOCKOUT DRAMA ACROSS CODES AS CHAMPIONS EMERGE FROM WARD BATTLES
01 June 2026
The Raymond Mhlaba Municipality's Mayor's Cup 2026 reached a thrilling crescendo over the past weekend as knockout stage matches were contested across multiple sporting disciplines and wards, producing compelling results, surprise exits, and emerging champions in what has grown into one of the municipality's most anticipated community sporting spectacles of the year. From the fields of Koloni in Middledrift to the grounds of eDikeni and KwaMaqoma, and stretching all the way to Balfour, athletes from all corners of the RMM footprint competed with intensity, pride, and the coveted Mayor's Cup title firmly in their sights.
The Ward 1 Under-21 rugby competition, staged at Koloni Fields in Middledrift, produced the most decisive results of the weekend, with U21 Sunrise RFC announcing themselves as the team to beat in emphatic fashion. In the opening fixture, U21 Young Brothers drew first blood in the knockout, defeating U21 Black Lion 28–0 in a performance that underlined the quality of the Middledrift youth talent pool. However, Young Brothers' momentum proved short-lived. In their second outing, they were brought back to earth by a clinical U21 Sunrise side, who prevailed 9–0 in an encounter that firmly signaled Sunrise's intent. Sunrise then completed an unbeaten campaign with a dominant 29–0 demolition of U21 Black Lion, sealing top spot with maximum points and a points differential that set them decisively apart from the field.
In what was arguably the most lopsided result of the entire weekend across all codes, Summer Rose delivered a commanding 31–5 victory over Saracens, announcing themselves as a serious force in the rugby knockout draw. The 26-point margin of victory speaks to Summer Rose's dominance and serves as a clear statement of intent to future opponents.
The football arm of the Mayor's Cup, administered through the Alice Football Association, produced a feast of goals and drama at the Alice Ground. Gold Stars FC opened proceedings with a soft-points victory against Alice Kings FC. Alice Demonstrators FC then underscored their quality by putting five unanswered goals past Alice Kings FC, who suffered back-to-back defeats without registering a single goal. Alice Cosmos FC continued their impressive run with a commanding 4–0 victory over Goal Hunters FC, a result that sealed their passage as Ward 5 Winners. Alice Demonstrators FC rounded off the day's proceedings with a 2–1 victory over Gold Stars FC, confirming their status as Ward 6 Winners.
The knockout rounds extended well beyond eDikeni, with results streaming in from across the municipal area. Ministers FC were eliminated following a 2–0 defeat to R. Chiefs, who showed composure and clinical finishing throughout. Zubs FC demonstrated their attacking prowess with a commanding 5–0 victory over Cosmos, before later drawing 1–1 with Celtics in a tightly contested rematch. Moonlight FC were eliminated by Celtics, who won 3–0 to advance with authority. Brothers FC established themselves as one of the most consistent teams in the bracket, dispatching Tyoksville FC 2–0 on two separate occasions while also eliminating MUBS 1–0.
It is important to note that a number of teams across the municipality were not required to compete in this round of fixtures, as no opposition was registered in their respective wards. Those teams have been automatically advanced to the next stage of the tournament and will be formally notified of their upcoming fixtures in due course. However, for the KwaMaqoma wards playing in this round, they might see some changes in results, as there are currently disputes being handled by the municipality and the Fort Beaufort Football Association (FOFA).
The Mayor's Cup 2026 continues to fulfil its founding mandate, not merely as a sporting competition, but as a meaningful vehicle for community cohesion, youth development, and civic pride across the Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality. With ward winners confirmed across all disciplines and the knockout rounds deepening, the stage is set for an even more electrifying final phase of the tournament.
Raymond Mhlaba Municipality extends its congratulations to all participating teams, coaches, match officials, and supporters who contributed to making the weekend a resounding success. The broader community is encouraged to continue rallying behind their local teams as the Mayor's Cup 2026 builds toward its much-anticipated climax.
"Clock it 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼"
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