Season 2 of the 5quad League will be remembered as the moment five-a-side football in Africa levelled up. From May to July 2025, the league delivered a run of high-intensity fixtures, cultural moments, breakout talent and digital storytelling that cemented 5quad as the continent’s most electrifying small-sided football platform. By the time the finals kicked off at Urban Sport – Marks Park, Johannesburg, it was clear that the movement had outgrown being a tournament — it had become a fully-fledged sport-culture experience.
Explosive Competition From Start to Finish
With 16 elite teams competing for the coveted R500,000 winner-takes-all prize, Season 2 showcased football at its purest and most dynamic. The group stages were filled with fast transitions, dramatic late goals and matchups that brought the best out of every squad. As the competition tightened, the knockout rounds delivered some of the most entertaining football the league has seen.
The standout story of the season was the continued dominance of Orlando Pirates 5s, who powered through the playoffs with clinical precision. They dismantled Josta 5s 4–0 in the quarter-finals and produced another commanding 4–0 performance in the final, capturing their second consecutive title and solidifying their legacy as the team to beat.
A Fusion of Football, Culture and Entertainment
Season 2 wasn’t just about competition — it was about culture. The league amplified the football experience through:
- Influencer power: appearances from popular personalities like Primo Baloyi, Annie Kapenda and Lemi Loco
- Legends on the pitch: including crowd favourites Josta Dladla and Thuso Phala
- Women’s football representation: with aspiring Banyana stars showcasing emerging talent
- High-energy fan experiences: music, merch, content creators and premium production
From first whistle to final celebration, fans brought the energy — proving that the passion for five-a-side football is not only strong, but growing faster than ever.
A Platform Built for Community
Season 2 highlighted the evolution of the 5quad League as a community-driven ecosystem. Every matchday felt like a festival, with fans, players, creators and brands coming together to celebrate the blend of sport and youth culture that defines the league. Founder Nick Koka described the atmosphere perfectly in a Forbes interview, noting how “electric” the crowd was and how the format is building a powerful, connected five-a-side community.
Brand Partners That Powered the Season
Season 2’s success was supported by strong partnerships with brands including Castle Lager, Smirnoff, Hyundai and YFM. Their involvement brought the entertainment, activations and storytelling that elevated the tournament into a premium, culturally relevant experience.
A Launchpad for Season 3
With the tournament expanding to Urban Sports in Hatfield, Pretoria for Season 3, the foundation laid by Season 2 has set the stage for even bigger growth. The blend of competition, community and culture has proven unmatched, and the expectations for the next chapter are higher than ever.
Season 2 didn’t just meet expectations — it redefined what is possible in African five-a-side football. And if the excitement around the league is anything to go by, Season 3 is set to be even more explosive.
The movement continues.
