Merwe Blackpool were crowned champions of the 2025 Noel Pataka Annual Soccer Tournament on Saturday at Kurhuleni village, edging out Kalahari Stars in a thrilling penalty shoot-out. The two sides had drawn 1-1 in regulation time, but Blackpool held their nerve to win 4-3 on penalties.
The champions walked away with R15,000, new soccer kits, gold medals, and a floating trophy, while runners-up Kalahari Stars received R7,000, kits, and silver medals. Semi-finalists Vhangani Development and Ndiitwani Shooting Stars each received R1,000.
Sponsor Tiyani Pataka said he supported the tournament to honour his late father and promote sport in the community. "We are part of this community, and sponsoring local sport is our way of giving back," he said. Pataka praised the organising committee and urged the community to continue nurturing youth talent, calling sport a key step toward a healthy society.