Begwa United Brothers FC will not easily forget last Saturday. They scooped up numerous prizes during the Boy Nemakonde Soccer Challenge prize-giving ceremony at the Copa-Copa Lodge at Ha-Lambani village.
They were also crowned champions of the tournament during the ceremony.
They took home a cash prize of R13 000, 11 pairs of soccer boots, six soccer balls, a soccer kit and two floating trophies. The second trophy was presented to them after they were named the team that demonstrated a spirit of fair play throughout the tournament.
Begwa beat New Discovery FC 4-1 in the final at the Tshifudi Stadium on Saturday, July 27.
Eighteen players for Begwa were each presented with R500 while the team's head coach, Mr Kennedy Munyai, became R1 000 richer. The runners-up, New Discovery FC, received R1 500, a soccer kit and six soccer balls. The third-placed side, Munangwe United Brothers, received R1 500 and six soccer balls during the ceremony.
United Brothers, who were the defending champions this year, obtained the third position after beating Buluni Happy Boys 1-0 in their losers' final match. Buluni Happy Boys took home six soccer balls.
Teams that were booted out in the quarter-final stage will each receive a consolation prize of two soccer balls. The top goal scorers in the tournament, Norman Mbedzi and Silence Baloyi, both from Begwa, each received R1 000. Baloyi received another R1 000 after he was named the best player in the tournament.
The best goalkeeper's award went to Ronewa Lambani of Begwa. He received R1 000.
When delivering the keynote address, the tournament's main sponsor, Mr Boy Nemakonde, said that he would continue to sponsor the event next year.