Makonde FC are still in joyous mood after the team were crowned the champions for the Lumveleni Offseason Soccer Tournament at the Lumveleni Restaurant last Saturday.
Makonde managed to beat Buluni Happy Boys 5-4 in the final to lift the trophy. The winner was determined through a penalty shootout after a goalless draw at the end of the regulation time.
Makonde's way to the final was rocky and thorny. They had forced a 5-4 victory over Ngwenani Young Chiefs in their semi-final match, which was played at the same venue earlier that day. The winner was also determined through a penalty shootout as the full-time score was 2-2.
Makonde were presented with R12,000, a floating trophy, gold medals and a soccer kit. The runners-up, Buluni Happy Boys. went home with R7,000, silver medals and a soccer kit. Teams booted out in the semi-final round, Ngwenani Young Chiefs and Manamani Blue Birds, were each given R1,500.
A representative of the sponsors, Mr Dan Ndou, expressed his satisfaction with the way the tournament was run. He praised the players and the officials from the clubs for their good conduct throughout the tournament. He added that they were planning to stage another tournament before the end of this year. Sixteen teams from around Vhembe took part in the tournament.