Kaizer Chiefs lifted the Macufe Cup 2024—officially staged under the new CUFA Festival banner in Bloemfontein—after defeating Marumo Gallants in a tense penalty shoot-out. The win not only thrilled thousands of Free State fans but also signalled a fresh chapter for South Africa’s most iconic pre-season football showcase.
From Macufe Cup to CUFA Cup: A New Era in Bloemfontein
The fixture historically known as the Macufe Cup has long been a highlight of Bloemfontein’s annual cultural week. In 2024, the exhibition game returned under the broader festival identity of CUFA (Cultural Urban Festival Africa). The change brought expanded programming—music, culture, business expos, and community events—while keeping football at its heart through the rebranded CUFA Cup.
This transition marked the merging of two beloved traditions: the Macufe spirit of community celebration and CUFA’s mission to create a continent-wide urban cultural platform. Fans packed the stands, draped in gold and black, reaffirming that Kaizer Chiefs remain a magnetic draw wherever they play.
Macufe Cup 2024 Match Result: Kaizer Chiefs vs Marumo Gallants
The 2024 fixture took place at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. After a goalless 90 minutes, Kaizer Chiefs defeated Marumo Gallants 4–3 on penalties, clinching the first trophy of the CUFA Festival era. Both sides fielded strong line-ups, blending seasoned professionals with promising youngsters eager to impress before the new league season.
Supporters described the atmosphere as “electric”—a mixture of music, dance, and football. Local DJs performed before kick-off, while halftime entertainment featured Free State artists who gave the matchday its trademark festival energy.
Prize Money & Official Confirmation
Searches for “Macufe Cup 2024 prize money Kaizer Chiefs” have surged as fans look for verified information about the financial rewards attached to the exhibition. At the time of writing, organisers have not publicly released an official prize-money figure for the 2024 edition.
The CUFA Festival and its sporting wing focus primarily on cultural exchange and community engagement rather than commercial competition. Still, symbolic rewards, appearance fees, and sponsorship bonuses are typically part of such showcase fixtures, aligning with similar pre-season tournaments across the continent.
Visitors are encouraged to check this page and official channels for updates once the festival committee confirms the 2024 or upcoming 2025 purse details.
Historical Context: The Macufe Legacy
For more than two decades, the Macufe Cup connected sport and culture in the Free State capital. Originally founded under the Mangaung African Cultural Festival (MACUFE), the event brought together top-flight South African clubs in an exhibition celebrating unity and local pride. The arrival of CUFA in 2024 did not erase that legacy; it revitalised it with a modern, pan-African focus.
The CUFA Cup now inherits that mantle, continuing the festival football tradition each October. While new branding and organisers have taken the lead, the ethos remains: showcasing skill, sportsmanship, and community joy in one of South Africa’s most passionate football regions.
Fan Reaction & Highlights
- Matchday Energy: Over ten thousand fans filled the stands, many arriving early for music and local food stalls at the stadium concourse.
- Key Players: Kaizer Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune received loud cheers for his crucial saves during the penalty shoot-out.
- Community Focus: The CUFA Festival team promoted youth outreach clinics and small-business stalls alongside the game, blending sport with social development.
Social media buzzed with clips and reactions under hashtags #CufaCup2024 and #MacufeCup, illustrating how the rebranded festival successfully linked music, culture and football once again.
CUFA Cup 2025: What to Expect Next
Following the success of the 2024 edition, organisers have already confirmed the return of the CUFA Cup for October 2025 as part of the wider CUFA Festival. Ticket information, team announcements, and confirmed prize-money details will appear on the festival’s official event page as they become available.
Whether you are a loyal Chiefs supporter, a neutral football lover, or simply a traveller drawn by Bloemfontein’s warmth, CUFA promises another unforgettable fusion of sport and celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Macufe Cup 2024?
Kaizer Chiefs defeated Marumo Gallants 4–3 on penalties at the Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein.
Is the Macufe Cup now called the CUFA Cup?
Yes. Beginning in 2024, the fixture forms part of the Cultural Urban Festival Africa (CUFA) programme. While fans still use the name “Macufe Cup,” official branding now reads “CUFA Cup.”
What is the Macufe Cup 2024 prize money?
No official prize figure has been disclosed yet. When confirmed by festival organisers or sponsors, it will be published here and through official CUFA communications.
Where can I buy CUFA Cup tickets?
Tickets are made available via recognised platforms such as Ticketpro and Computicket ahead of each October festival week. Always use verified links shared on cufafestival.co.za.
CUFA Festival — Cultural Urban Festival Africa. All Rights Reserved.
Information above is compiled from publicly available reports and official festival releases. Prize-money figures will be updated once officially confirmed.
