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[GALLERY + VIDEO]: Brafia are the Ultimate Braai Masters

Alberton's Braai Mafia, Kagiso Mpinda and Corné Bornman, are the Ultimate Braai Masters of 2019.

May 2, 2019

Roedolf Walker 2 minutes read

FRIENDS AND FAMILY: Thobeka Dlamini, Tokelo Motsoane, Mary Mpinda, Luvuyo Mabai, Tebogo Rmatsui and Anam Xinwa.

FAMILY, friends and fellow competitors joined Alberton’s master braai duo, Corné Bornman and Kagiso Mpinda, the Brafia, in watching the final episode of Ultimate Braai Master on April 28.

After a long journey competing against some top competitors in open-flame cooking, the Brafia was one of the three teams competing in the final, which took place at Borisimo’s, a guest house in Alberton, which is owned by Bornman.

Brafia took on Best Braai Buds and Kasi Coals for the grand prize and the title of Ultimate Braai Master.

The day was full of fun and socialising, with those present standing behind the team from Alberton. At 4pm there came a hush as everyone crossed their fingers for the Brafia to bring the title home to Alberton.

The final was a gruelling cook-off of over four hours. The three teams had to prepare four dishes for the judges, which was their last opportunity to wow them.

The first three dishes were chosen by the judges, Peter Goffe-Wood and Benny Masekwameng, and host Justin Bonello, who each chose a dish for the contestants to prepare. The last dish was the contestants’ signature dish, and the Brafia’s centrepiece was lamb ribs.

All four of the Brafia’s dishes were judged and the comments from the judges were positive, with only minor criticisms. This earned applause from the crowd every time, but still there was a sense of anticipation when it came to the announcement of the winners of the competition.

Bonello’s last words on the show raised the roof of Borisimo’s as the Brafia were named the Ultimate Braai Masters of 2019!

Congratulations were given with smiles and quite a few tears as the people present revelled in the success of Corné and Kagiso.

Corné thanked those present from the bottom of his heart on behalf of Kagiso and himself and said everyone present had a hand in their journey.

“A stick on its own can’t make a fire,” said Corné. “With two sticks it is possible, but a fire needs more sticks to keep going. You are the protectors of fire.”

To the RECORD the pair said with a smile: “We are no longer the Brafia, we are now the Ultimate Braai Masters.”