DILI, 19 August 2025 (TATOLI) – Timorese in the diaspora, gathered under the East Timorese Association Peterborough (ETAP) charity, organized the third edition of the Xanana Cup in Peterborough, United Kingdom, on Saturday, August 16, at Fullbridge Recreation Park.
The 11-a-side Xanana Cup was held with the goal of uniting Timorese living abroad and promoting peace and national unity within the diaspora community.
Eight football teams from Peterborough, London, and Kettering competed in the qualifying rounds, showcasing exciting matches full of technical skill, tactical play, and individual talent, according to a statement to TATOLI.
ETAP Charity President Celso Oliveira stated, “The Xanana Cup is a unique tournament in Peterborough, UK, aimed at bringing Timorese people together and promoting peace and unity in the diaspora. The organizing committee would like to thank all participating teams, ETAP executive members, and especially the volunteers whose efforts made the Xanana Cup a success.”
The eight teams included: Dalas FC, Halibur FC, Laloran FC, Kettering FC, As Family FC, Borough FC, Morisson FC, and Maubere Woking FC.
From these, four teams advanced to the semifinals: Dalas FC, As Family FC, Halibur FC, and Kettering FC. In a fair play final match, HALIBUR FC defeated DALAS FC with a score of 2-0, securing the top spot in the standings and winning the championship title.
Final standings for the Xanana Cup UK 2025:
- 1st Place: HALIBUR FC
- 2nd Place: DALAS FC
- 3rd Place: KETTERING FC
The champions received a rotating trophy, a first-place trophy, and £500 in prize money. The second-place team received a trophy and £400, while the third-place team received a trophy and £300.
Additional awards were given for:
- Best Goalkeeper
- Best Player
- Best Team
- Top Scorer
The third edition of the Xanana Cup was officiated by referee Paul Ozzo from the Peterborough Referee Association.
For the first time, this year’s tournament included participation from a women’s football team representing As Family FC, as well as a youth team called “Timor P’boro FC.”
The event was filled with joy and camaraderie, as Timorese participants showcased fraternity and peace, accompanied by music and traditional Timorese food.
Since 2002, the city of Peterborough has been home to nearly a thousand Timorese. While parents work in factories, their children attend schools ranging from primary to university level.
ETAP is a registered charity in the UK that provides support to Timorese people in Peterborough and other areas.
Journalist: Camílio de Sousa
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
