Gondeni Big Cat won the Horse Makuya Soccer Tournament, which took place at Hamakuya at the Domboni Sports Grounds, from 18 to 21 April. They defeated Tshitavha Brave Lion 3-1 in an exciting final.
The annual Horse Makuya tournament did not disappoint, with 16 of the region's top teams competing for the honours. The tournament honours football legend Mr. Joseph "The Horse" Makuya, who played a huge role in the development of football around Vhutshwema (Vhurivhuri, Tshwera, and Makuya area).
The top eight teams competed in the quarterfinals on Saturday. Tshitavha Brave Lion, Masisi Young Stars, Gondeni Big Cat, and Maholoni Stone Breakers emerged victorious and proceeded to the semi-finals.
Gondeni Big Cat had to defeat Maholoni Stone Breakers to proceed to the final, while Tshitavha Brave Lion overcame Masisi Young Stars.
After a curtain-raiser between a team from Vhembe FM and Makuya Masters, the two top teams clashed. Gondeni scored three goals against Tshitavha's one to win the coveted trophy.
For their efforts, Gondeni won R20,000, a floating trophy, gold medals, and two soccer kits. Tshitavha won R10,000, silver medals, and two soccer kits. The two teams that were eliminated in the semi-finals each received R4,000 and a soccer kit. Teams that finished in positions five to eight received a soccer kit and soccer balls, while the other teams each received a ball.