ABC FC were crowned the 2025/26 SAFA Vhembe Regional League champions after beating Ramahantsha Blackpool 1-0 in the regional promotional play-off final at Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.
ABC head coach Mashudu “Dunga” Nkhumeleni could not contain his excitement after the match. He said the team's success was not the result of one person's efforts and credited both the players and the management for the achievement.
The Lion of the North, as the team is affectionately known, will represent SAFA Vhembe in the provincial promotional play-offs at Malamulele Stadium this weekend.
ABC received prize money of R100,000, a floating trophy, two sets of soccer kit and gold medals during a ceremony held at the stadium after the match. Ramahantsha Blackpool received R70,000, two sets of soccer kit and silver medals. The losing semi-finalists, FC Basel and Berea FC, each received R40,000 and a set of soccer kit.
ABC's dribbling wizard, Wanga Khorommbi, was named Player of the Tournament. He received a study bursary worth R25,000 from Vuwa College and a cash prize of R2,000. Mashudu Tshiovhe of Ramahantsha Blackpool received the Top Goal Scorer award. He took home R1,000 and a trophy.
The other individual award winners were Mukovhe Luvhengo of ABC (Man of the Match), Dakalo Thomani of ABC (Best Goalkeeper), Mashudu “Dunga” Nkhumeleni (Best Coach) and Vhulondo Tshikambu (Best Referee).
It took 76 minutes for ABC to score the goal that secured the team's place in the provincial promotional play-offs. Former Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila defender Joshua Netshilindi headed home from a corner taken by Wanga Khorommbi.