Masakona Real Citizen secured a remarkable victory and walked away with a cheque of R30,000 after winning the 10th edition of the Mabena Soccer Challenge. Real Citizen triumphed over Sambandou United Professionals with a 1-0 win in the final match, held at the Mashamba Grounds on Sunday. Along with the prize money, the champions also received two soccer kits, gold medals, and a floating trophy.
The runners-up, Sambandou United Professionals, were awarded two soccer kits, silver medals, and R20,000. Mukondeni Shooting Stars, who finished in third place, took home R10,000, bronze medals, and a soccer kit, while fourth-placed Madridtas FC received R5,000 and a soccer kit.
Mr Robert Nesengani, managing director of Singo Mining and one of the tournament's sponsors, expressed his continued commitment to supporting the competition in the future. He praised the organisers for their management of the event and reiterated that his sponsorship aimed to discover new football talent.
Ms Mercy Rambau, spokesperson for the organising team, expressed her gratitude to the sponsors, saying, "I'm very proud that we have nurtured young people of real quality."
Dr Scara Tshigomana, deputy president of the Makhado Local Football Association, also commended the sponsors for their role in developing young talent at grassroots level. "We are committed to fulfilling the mandate of the South African Football Association by ensuring that football is developed in all corners of the Vhembe municipal area," he said.