Berea FC have ample reason to celebrate as they were crowned champions of the Nwali Soccer Tournament at the Khubvi Benjie's Grounds last Sunday. In the final, Berea overcame Mukula Young Santos with a 2-1 victory, securing the coveted trophy. A ceremony held at the grounds shortly after the final whistle saw Berea being awarded a floating trophy, soccer kit, gold medals, a soccer ball, and a cash prize of R10,000.
Berea's journey to the final went via Tshivhazwaulu Peace Makers, whom they defeated 1-0 in the semi-final match at the same venue the previous day.
Mukula Young Santos received R7,000, silver medals, a soccer kit, and a soccer ball as the runners-up. Tshivhazwaulu Peace Makers, securing third place, were granted R4,000, a soccer kit, bronze medals, and a soccer ball. Their victory came from a 1-0 win against Tshumuthe FC in the losers' final, held at the same venue earlier the same day.
Tshimuthe FC was rewarded with R3,000, a soccer kit, and a soccer ball. Teams that were eliminated in the quarter-final round each received R1,000.
The awards for the best defender and best goalkeeper went to Wilton Netshisaulu and Joseph Ndwammbi of Berea FC, respectively. Vhahangwele Tshifhango, the captain of Young Santos, earned the player of the tournament award, while Langanani Munzhelele of Berea was honoured with the youngest player award. The best midfielder award was presented to Rotshidzwa Ntshavheni, the captain of Berea FC.
The tournament saw participation by 32 teams from various parts of the Vhembe District. Notable attendees at the event included Vhamusanda Vho-Reuben Madadzhe, the provincial secretary of the African National Congress (ANC), Cllr Dowelani Nenguda, the executive mayor of Vhembe District Municipality, and Thovhele Vho-Midiyavhathu Kennedy Tshivhase.