Ramantsha Blackpool were crowned champions of the third edition of the Talelani Liguluvhe Soccer Challenge after beating Maweja FC 3–2 in a penalty shoot-out at the Ramantsha grounds on Sunday, following a goalless draw in regulation time.
During the prize-giving ceremony, Mr Rendani Mutheiwana of the Liguluvhe Foundation said the foundation would continue to sponsor the rural soccer tournament next season, adding that sponsorship could even be increased.
“We are part of this community and we are doing this to support local people,” said Mutheiwana. The matches were, among others, attended by soccer scouts from the University of Pretoria.
The deputy president of South African Football Association Vhembe, Mr Ephraim Singo, also thanked the sponsors and organisers. He said sport brought people together, irrespective of religious, cultural and political backgrounds.
As winners, Ramantsha Blackpool received R70,000, three new soccer kits, gold medals and a trophy. The runners-up, Makonde FC, went home with R30,000, three new soccer kits and silver medals.
Third place went to the 2025 champions, SMSA FC, who received R10,000, two soccer kits and bronze medals. The fourth prize of R7,000 and two soccer kits went to Tshikhwani Stone Breakers.
Ramantsha Blackpool coach Ronny Ramaligela was named Coach of the Tournament. Unarine Tshivhase of Makonde FC was named Player of the Tournament, while Mashudu Tshiovhe and Siyaphila Maluleke, both of Blackpool, shared the Top Goal Scorer award.