Rabali Pull Together are still in a celebratory mood after being crowned champions of the Safa Vhembe Regional League at Thohoyandou Stadium last Saturday. The team from the Nzhelele Valley beat Vhembe Tron 1-0 in the final to lift the trophy.
Pull Together were presented with R60,000, gold medals, two sets of soccer kit and a floating trophy during a ceremony held at the stadium shortly after the match.
The head coach of the team, Mr Lutendo Mulaudzi, was named the best coach of the tournament. He received R2,500 and a trophy. Shongi Vukeya of Langutani Blue Birds walked away with the top goal scorer's award, along with R1,500 and a trophy. Vukeya netted four goals during the Champ of Champs matches.
Female referee Ms Maduvha Luvhengo was awarded R1,500 and a trophy after being voted the best referee of the tournament.
The biggest winner on the day was Phathutshedzo Musekwa of Pull Together, who claimed the Youngest Player award, the Player of the Tournament award, and the Man of the Match award for his outstanding performance. He walked away with a total of R3,500 and three trophies.
Vhembe Tron received R40,000, silver medals and two sets of soccer kit. The losing semi-finalists, Berea FC and Langutani Blue Birds, each received R20,000 and soccer kit. Langutani Blue Birds were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Rabali Pull Together, while Berea FC suffered a 0-1 defeat to Vhembe Tron earlier in the day.
The five teams eliminated in the group stages — Ngwenani Young Chiefs, Madombidzha Try Again, Makonde FC, Tshitavha Brave Lions and Mashamba Soccer Academy — each received R10,000.
Rabali Pull Together will now represent the region in the provincial promotional playoff games, which will be staged at Mahwelereng Stadium in Mokopane on a date still to be announced.