The township street culture was alive and thriving this past weekend in Centurion, where the Underground Soccer (UGS) tournament officially launched at the newly opened Clubview courts. With the sun beating down and the beats pumping, players brought their best shibobos and spy twos to the turf in a high-energy showcase of flair, grit and ambition.
The Siya crew was in attendance as the new courts hosted their first tournament – a curtain-raiser to what promises to be a revolution in street football. Backed by major lifestyle brands Playboy and Status, the launch drew a strong crowd and revealed the serious intent behind the UGS project: to professionalise the street game.
Adriano Franco On What UGS Is All About
UGS organiser and visionary Adriano Franco spoke passionately about the vision behind the movement and what this launch event means for the future of the project.
“Yeah, it was an exciting opening for Clubview. This was just the start to celebrate the opening of these courts here in Centurion. It went pretty well,” said Franco, speaking exclusively to the Siya crew.
“I think we still got a bit of construction to do and setting up for the leagues, because the leagues start not this week coming, but the week afterwards. That’s when the seriousness takes place. But I think this was a great opening.
“We saw a lot of skill, we saw a lot of talent. It was just great to have an opening like this, where our sponsors Playboy and Status are investing into the street culture. They’re investing into street soccer and into grassroots as well.”
Franco emphasized that this launch was only the beginning.
“We’re looking for talent in all different areas. Our objective is to start the first street professional league in the world in 2026. I’m sure that one or two of these teams could be up there,” he said with confidence.
"We saw a lot of talent and skills and shibobos and spy twos on display. I think even the crowd enjoyed it,” he concluded.
Gauteng State Warriors (GSW2) Emerge Champions
In a tightly contested tournament, GSW2 came out on top, claiming bragging rights and the grand prize after defeating GSW 3-0 in an all-Gauteng State Warriors final. The Warriors’ camp dominated the knockout rounds, with both GSW and GSW2 defeating strong sides FC Hyper and Ba Straata in the semis respectively.
Speaking on behalf of the winning team, Englemaar Jacob Mkhize – the passionate and multi-tasking founder of GSW – shared his pride in his players and the tournament’s potential to change lives.
“I’m proud of the boys. They got here very early. We’re leaving here and it’s dark. I'm very happy to participate in a new event. I think that this is different. We generally play five-a-side or futsal in 11v11. But for an initiative like this, which can open opportunities, which people are unaware of, I think it’s quite important for us as a team to get our foot in the door,” he said.
When asked about the prize money, Mkhize said he intends to reinvest in the team while making sure players are rewarded fairly.
“Look, I mean, it’s important that I give the players their fair share, as well as reinvest some for the team. There are a few upcoming five-a-side tournaments, which we’re going to be participating in. So, everybody will get their share. People will get their transport, and the rest will be reinvested into the team,” concluded Mkhize.
Results Round-Up
Group A Standings:
- Ba Straata – 24 pts
- GSW – 19 pts
- Mandem FC – 14 pts
- Inter Real Hustlers – 12 pts
- Shining Stars – 12 pts
Group B Standings:
- FC Hyper – 27 pts
- GSW2 – 17 pts
- Magents – 15 pts
- Siyaya – 10 pts
- Renegades – 1 pt
Semi-Finals:
- Ba Straata 1 – 2 GSW2
- FC Hyper 2 – 5 GSW
Final:
- GSW 0 – 3 GSW2
A Movement Is Born
With electrifying play, raw talent and serious backing, Underground Soccer is carving a fresh lane for South African youth, bringing back the vibrancy of township football but with a new-age professional twist. The opening in Centurion is just the first step in what promises to be a landmark journey in street football’s evolution – and 2026 might just mark the birth of a new global league.
For now, GSW2 walk away with the crown. But the movement is only getting started.
