TIKI TAKA HOLD THEIR NERVE TO CLAIM BUILD IT U13 CROWN
Manzini youngsters shine as football, community and talent development take centre stage
Tiki Taka Academy emerged as the first Build It U13 champions in Manzini after holding their nerve to defeat Manzini Wanderers 4–3 on penalties following a pulsating 2–2 draw at Zakhele Sports Ground on Saturday.
The dramatic penalty shootout brought the curtain down on a colourful day of youth football that showcased not only emerging talent, but also the power of football to unite communities and create opportunities for young players.
The tournament, staged under the Build It EFA U13 Football Development Programme, attracted eight teams competing for the Build It U13 Manzini Championship title and an opportunity for players to stake their claim for selection into the Build It Manzini Pick Team.
The Pick Team will represent Manzini in the Build It EFA U13 National Championship 2026, where it will come up against selected teams from other regions.
Tiki Taka Academy and Manzini Wanderers F.C. produced the highlight of the tournament in a closely fought final that finished 2–2 after regulation time. With nothing separating the sides, the championship was decided from the penalty spot, where Tiki Taka held their composure to secure a 4–3 victory.
For Tiki Taka, the triumph was made even more special by their dominance in the individual awards.
Their goalkeeper Bandiswa Mavuso was named Best Goalkeeper, while teammate Karim Mbeu walked away with both the Best Midfielder and Player of the Tournament awards.
Manzini Wanderers F.C. defender Eldo Fonseca was named Best Defender.
The Golden Boot honours were shared by Okuhle Dube of Wonderful Touch F.C. and Aviwe Dlamini of Manzini Wanderers F.C., who each scored four goals during the tournament.
The tournament featured Manzini Hawks F.C., Tiki Taka Academy, Crystal Palace F.C. and Eyethu Academy in Group A, while School of Excellence, Wonderful Touch F.C., Manzini Wanderers F.C. and Golden Stars F.C. made up Group B.
The teams battled through a round-robin group stage, with the top two sides from each group progressing to the semi-finals before the winners met in the final.
But football was not the only attraction.
The tournament got off to an energetic start with a community parade from Build It Manzini to Zakhele Sports Ground, bringing parents, supporters, young players and members of the community together in celebration of youth football.
Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony, the Build It Manager praised the partnership with the Eswatini Football Association and expressed optimism that the initiative would continue.
“We would like to thank the EFA for this partnership. We hope that this relationship will continue next year and grow even further. We also appreciate the parents, players and coaches for the support they have given this programme.”
The manager’s remarks underlined the growing importance of private-sector investment in grassroots sport, particularly programmes that provide children with opportunities to develop their football abilities in a structured environment.
EFA General Secretary Mr Frederick Mngomezulu congratulated Tiki Taka Academy for their achievement and praised all the participating teams for their commitment.
“Congratulations to Tiki Taka Academy on winning the Manzini tournament. More importantly, we would like to thank all the teams, coaches and parents for supporting these young players. The future of football depends on what we do at this level.”
Mngomezulu also emphasised the importance of parental involvement in creating a positive environment for young footballers.
“The support of parents is extremely important. When parents bring their children to these programmes, encourage them and allow them to enjoy the game, they are investing in the future of Eswatini football.”
The Manzini tournament is part of a wider EFA-Build It youth football development initiative aimed at creating a structured pathway for young players while strengthening grassroots football across the country.
Beyond competition, the programme provides an important platform for talent identification, player development, community engagement and brand partnership, with participating players gaining valuable experience in organised football.
The EFA has commended Build It for its continued investment in youth football and for using its partnership to contribute to the development of young talent in Eswatini.
As the celebrations in Manzini subside, attention now turns to Matsapha.
The next Build It U13 Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, 15 August 2026 at Swazi National School Sports Ground, where another group of young footballers will have an opportunity to compete, impress selectors and take another step towards the national championship.
For Tiki Taka Academy, however, Saturday belonged to them.
They came, they competed, they held their nerve — and they were crowned Manzini’s first Build It U13 champions.
BUILD IT U13 MANZINI AWARDS
Champions: Tiki Taka Academy
Runners-up: Manzini Wanderers F.C.
Player of the Tournament: Karim Mbeu — Tiki Taka Academy
Best Midfielder: Karim Mbeu — Tiki Taka Academy
Best Goalkeeper: Bandiswa Mavuso — Tiki Taka Academy
Best Defender: Eldo Fonseca — Manzini Wanderers- F.C.
Top Goal Scorers: Okuhle Dube — Wonderful Touch F.C. (4); Aviwe Dlamini — Manzini Wanderers F.C. (4)