Maranzhe Hungry Lions were crowned the Petrus Madzuhe Soccer Challenge champions when they beat Phandulaluvalo FC 3-1 in the final at the Maranzhe grounds on Sunday.
The winner was determined through a penalty shoot-out after no goal was scored during the regulation time. Hungry Lions were presented with a cash prize of R5 000, soccer kit and a floating trophy during a ceremony held at the grounds shortly after the final. Phandulaluvalo FC went home with R3 000 and a soccer kit. Other cash prizes were awarded to third-placed Themba Sunrise Riders (R2 300) and R1 700 to Tshivhilidulu Hungry Lions (4th). Sunrise Riders beat Tshivhilidulu Hungry Lions 2-1 in the losers' final match at the same venue before the final.
Pfarelo Nemaranzhe of Maranzhe Hungry Lions and Dakalo Nemakonde of Sunrise Riders, with three goals apiece, shared the top goal scorer award. The player of the tournament award went to Zwidofhelangani Nevhulaudzi of Hungry Lions. Lugisani Ndou of Lions was the best keeper of the tournament.
Two local professional soccer players, Rendani Ndou and Thivhavhudzi Ndou, sponsored the tournament. Ndou is a regular striker for Polokwane City while his younger brother, Thivhavhudzi, is a reliable Black Leopards centre back. Fifteen teams took part in the tournament.