Chavani Shining Stars were crowned the new champions of the Mawal Soccer Challenge after defeating PJ Movers 8-7 in the final, held on Saturday at the Muwaweni Sports Grounds. The winners were decided via a penalty shootout after the teams had played to a 1-all draw.
The deputy chairperson of the Makhado Local Football Association, Dr Samuel Tshigomana, encouraged young people to participate in sporting codes. He said he was a proud supporter of local football development and noted that the Vhembe region was rich in talent.
Stars team manager Jelly Chavani expressed appreciation for the organisers' commitment to supporting teams in the Vhembe area. "We won because of our early preparations, and we are confident that we will come back to the soccer field for next year's games with more strength and energy to defend our cup," Chavani said.
"We achieved our goal and vision of creating a space for socialising and interaction among our men through soccer and also rewarding the deserving teams with cash prizes and football materials," said Mawal spokesperson Thomas Ramphaka. "We are therefore very grateful to all sponsors who supported us in this project and are looking forward to a more successful tournament again. Congratulations to Chavani Shining Stars!"
Chavani Shining Stars walked away with R50,000, gold medals, a soccer kit and a trophy. PJ Movers, the runners-up, received R20,000, a soccer kit and silver medals. The teams finishing in third and fourth place – Tshikhwani Stone Breakers and Mukondeni Young Chiefs – each took home R5,000.