The amount of R15 000 was shared by the teams that participated in the Makhado Mphephu Ramabulana Foundation U/17 tournament held at Rabali on Saturday.
During the ceremony, the president of Safa Vhembe, Mr George Kubayi, pointed out that sport was the most effective way to draw the youth away from gangsterism, drugs and alcohol abuse. The main idea behind the staging of the tournament was to identify talent, said the coordinator of the tournament, Mr Samuel Maduwa. "We observe strict discipline during the games. We do not allow liquor during our games and we are satisfied with the high standard maintained by the players and their fans," he added.
The new champions, Nzhelele Soccer Academy, went home with R3 000, a new soccer kit and a floating trophy. The runners-up, Luvhalani Sunshine Pirates, received R2 000 and a new soccer kit, while the third-placed team, Buda FC team, received R1 500 and soccer balls. The fourth position went to Dennis Arsenal, who received R1 000. The four teams which were beaten in the quarterfinals received R500 each, while the teams that ended from position 9 to 22 received soccer balls.