Gondeni Big Cats were crowned the champions of the ABC Foundation Soccer Tournament at the Makonde Stadium last Sunday. They defeated Mashamba Soccer Academy 6-5 in the final to lift the trophy. Big Cats were presented with R50,000, a soccer kit, gold medals, and a floating trophy during a ceremony at the stadium after the game.
The Cats' journey to the final included a 3-2 victory over Univen FC in their semi-final match at the same venue earlier that day. The winner of that match was determined through a penalty shootout after a goalless draw at the end of regulation time. Mashamba Soccer Academy went home with R15,000, silver medals, a trophy, and a soccer kit.
Soccer Academy had crushed Mukula Young Santos 4-2 in their semi-final game, which was also decided by a penalty shootout as the scoreboard was still blank when the referee blew the final whistle.
The third-placed team, Mukula Young Santos, received R10,000, a soccer kit, and bronze medals during the ceremony. Young Santos defeated Univen FC 2-1 in their losers' final match, played shortly before the final.
The youngest player in the tournament, Omphulusa Muthumuni of Young Santos, was presented with R1,000 and a trophy. Muthumuni also received the Best Keeper's award. Phodzo Rathanya of Mashamba Soccer Academy was named Player of the Tournament and went home with R1,000 and a trophy.
Thirty-two teams from around Vhembe participated in the tournament.