Vhutalu Mountain Rangers have reason to celebrate. They were crowned the champions of the Benjie's Soccer Tournament at the Khubvi Benjie's grounds on Saturday. They beat Tshidimbini Brave Lion 2-1 in the final to lift the trophy.
Mountain Rangers were presented with a cash prize of R6 000 and a floating trophy during the ceremony. Khondani Singo, the Rangers' playmaker, was nominated the Man of the Match. The Best Goalkeeper award was presented to Vhafhatutshedzwa Muravha of Brave Lion.
The runners-up, Tshidimbini Brave Lion, went home with a cash prize of R3 000. Zwaloni United FC, who finished in the third position, were presented with R2 500.
Zwaloni United brutally walloped Mutuwa Brazilians 6-0 in their losers' final match at the same venue earlier that day. Mutuwa Brazilians received a cash prize of R1 500 during the ceremony.
Teams that kissed the tournament goodbye in the quarter-final stage, Tshatshingo Potholes, Makhuvha Up The Ants, Tshilapfene Arsenal and Mulodi Santos, took home consolation prizes of R300 each.
During the ceremony, the tournament director, Mr Nndavheleseni "Coolman" Makhado, said that he was impressed by the manner in which both the clubs' officials and players had behaved themselves throughout the tournament. He revealed that no incident that had the potential to bring the sponsors into disrepute was reported.
Twenty-two teams, namely Zwaloni United, Tshivhilwi Young Bombers, Vhutshavhelo FC, Tshilapfene Sporting Arsenal, Mutuwa Brazilians, Makhuvha Up the Ants, Vondwe Dangerous Tigers, Tshidimbini Brave Lions, Khubvi Feedas All Stars, Damani Powerline, Vhutalu Mountain Rangers, Tshatshingo Potholes, Matangari High Aims, Tshiombo Try Again, Tshiombo XI Securitas, Mianzwi Green Hornet, Mahunguwi United, Mulodi Santos, Mangaya Living Commodores, Ngwenani Manchester United, Guyuni Hotspurs and Ngudza United, took part in the tournament.