Berea FC are still in joyous mood after they were crowned the champions of the Zwonaka and Lutande Eating House Soccer Tournament a fortnight ago. Berea were presented with R15,000, a floating trophy, gold medals, a soccer kit and a soccer ball during a ceremony held at the Lutande Eating House in Tshivhilwi last Saturday.
The Mulodi side had beaten Ngwenani Young Chiefs 5-4 to lift the trophy. Ngwenani Young Chiefs took home R8,000, silver medals, a soccer kit and a soccer ball. The third-placed side, Vondwe XI Bullets, were presented with R4,000 and a soccer ball during the ceremony. Mulindavhathu Ocean Swallows, who finished in the fourth position, received R3,000 and a soccer ball.
Teams booted out of the tournament in the quarter-final round, Mukula Avalon, Tshibvumo Young Stars, Buluni Happy Boys and Musasenda Big Five, were each given a consolation prize of R1,000. The best goalkeeper award was presented to Tshifhiwa Rasivhaga of Ngwenani Young Chiefs. Ndiene Ramashia and Rotanganedzwa Siobo, both of Berea FC, received the youngest player of the tournament award and the best defender award respectively.
During the ceremony, the sponsor, Mr Alufunimunwe Makhale, assured the local football lovers that he would continue to sponsor the tournament in the coming years. He said that he was impressed with the way the tournament was administered. According to him, the tournament will grow each year in terms of the sponsorship amount and the number of the participating teams.
The chairman of the organising committee, Mr Vision Nengwekhulu, stated that Mulindathavha Ocean Swallows FC would not be allowed to participate in the tournament in the coming years. He stated that Ocean Swallows had demonstrated ugly conduct throughout the tournament.