On Saturday, March 7, the vibrant streets of Soweto were filled with excitement as Red Bull 1 Pal showcased an exhilarating 3v3 street soccer event at Jabulani Mall, highlighting the passion, skills, and distinctive beat of South African football traditions.
Following a series of intense matches marked by impressive performances and enthusiastic crowd support, Bad Apes claimed the championship title of the 2026 Red Bull 1 Pal, edging out Orlando Pirates 5s in the final. Under the leadership of Chairman Sibusiso Radebe and the guidance of coach Smangaliso Maseko, Bad Apes demonstrated skill, strategic thinking, and high energy, embodying the spirit of the 3v3 format that celebrates inventiveness, pace, and determination.
The Red Bull 1 Pal event adds a distinctive element to street soccer, where teams aim to accrue four bricks, a tribute to the traditional makeshift goalposts that have been central to South Africa’s street football landscape for many years.
In his remarks following the win, Wandile “Dube” Nhlapo shared insights about the team’s path to victory:
“The plan was to win the game and do our best. The entertainment and the fans were a nice touch. Winning the R20 000 cash prize will help elevate the players and the club and allow us to continue playing soccer for the love of the game.”
