Sambanḓou United Professionals managed to become the first winners of the Horse Makuya Soccer Tournament by beating Dipeni FC on penalties in a nerve-wracking final on Sunday.
Sixteen SAFA Vhembe SAB teams took part in the tournament, which started on Thursday (27th) and ended on Sunday (30th). All the matches were played at Hamakuya, Domboni (Makuya Try Again Grounds).
Sambandou's first challenge was against Anel Real Vikings, whom they beat 2-0 on Thursday. On the same day, Dipeni thrashed Phaphama All Stars 6-1.
In the quarterfinals on Saturday, Sambandou had another nail-biter. Their match against Tshimuthe FC ended in a goalless draw, but Sambandou won the penalty shootout 10-9. Dipeni FC went through to the semi-final with a bit more ease, beating Tshivhilidulu Hungry Lions 1-0.
In the first semi-final clash on Sunday, Dipeni FC came up against Masisi Young Stars. The team, coached by Sammy Dunga, had no trouble beating Masisi 3-0 to proceed to the final.
Sambandou, coached by Rotshidzwa Katsande Phalanndwa, then came up against Mukula Santos. This time the match did not go into a penalty shootout, with Sambandou winning 2-1.
All was set for a very tense final between Sambandou and Dipheni, and the match did not disappoint the fans. After ending in a 0-0 draw, the strikers lined up to try their luck with penalties. Sambandou got the upper hand (and the trophy) by scoring 4 penalties against Dipheni's 2.
The victory meant that Sambandou took home R15 000, a soccer kit, a soccer ball, the trophy and medals. Dipeni won R7 000, a kit, a soccer ball and medals. The two losers in the semi-finals each received R2 000, a soccer kit and a soccer ball. The teams exciting in the quarter-finals all received a soccer ball.
Prizes were also awarded to individual winners. The Goalkeeper of the Tournament award went to Langutani Baloyi. The Defender of the Tournament prize went to Thusanani Matshete, while Khorommbi Fhaṱutshedzani won the Midfielder of the Tournament prize. The Young Player of the Tournament award went to Livhuwani Mmbengwa (Jay Jay), and Lucky Baloyi (Denzy) was the Top Goal Scorer - with 3 goals. Best striker award went to Mashawana Shudufhadzo (Masabola) and the top coach was Sambandou's Rotshidzwa Katzande Phalanndwa.
Before the final, two Thulamela Football Association teams also played against each other. Makuya Junior Aces managed to beat Guyuni Hot Spurs 1-0 in this clash. Both teams received a new kit and Junior Aces won the R1 000 prize money.
Mr Brian Makuya, the tournament's media officer, thanked the 18 teams that took part in the tournament and complimented the supporters who showed discipline and respect when attending the games. He also thanked the referees, Mr Calvin Ṋemavhola, Christopher Mugeri, Dzivhuluwani Mavhasa and Eric Khathikhathi Munyai. Makuya also thanked Safa Vhembe and Thulamela Football Association who allowed them to host this tournament.