Makhitha Oscar Stars were crowned as the new champions of the Mabena Soccer Challenge on Sunday. They beat Madridtas 7-6 in a penalty shoot-out, after the match ended in a goalless draw.
Makhitha Oscar Stars went home with R30 000, a floating trophy, gold medals and two soccer kits. The runners-up, Madridtas, collected R20 000, silver medals and two soccer kits. Prizes of R10 000 and R5 000 went to Masakona Young Tigers and Mashamba Soccer Academy, who ended in third and fourth position respectively.
The sponsor, Mr Robert Nesengani of Singo Mining, said that he was impressed with the way the tournament had been run. He praised the players, club officials and the fans for the good conduct they displayed throughout the tournament. He said he would continue to sponsor local soccer tournaments.
The organiser, Ms Mercy Rambau, praised the sponsors for their decision to sponsor the tournament. "I'm very proud that we have grown young people of real quality," she said. She stated that she was convinced that the tournament would produce stars who would receive national recognition soon.
Thovhele Vho-Nndweleni Mashamba praised the committee who managed the tournament and encouraged community members to keep it up to produce talent among the youth. He said that for future stars to be identified at grassroots level was important.