The annual Thovhele Nkhaneni Soccer Tournament prize-giving ceremony, which took place at the Mulenzhe council hall a fortnight ago, surprised all when everyone who participated became winners.
The nine participating teams shared nearly R50 000 in cash prizes and soccer kit. A special prize of R3 000 was awarded to the Old Crocks team.
The event was attended by many members of the community from all the villages under Mulenzhe.
The different prizes that were awarded to the teams were: Tovhowani FC R2 500 and a kit; Tambaulate Flying Peace R3 000 and a kit; Dididi FC R3 500 and a kit; Khakhanwa Barcelona FC R4 000 plus a kit; Khakhanwa United FC R4 500 and a kit; Dovheni FC R5 000 and a kit; Makovha All Stars R6 000, a kit and silver medals, while the champions Mulenzhe Shooting Stars received R7 000, a kit, trophy and gold medals.
In the individual category, Thambulo Manavhela scooped the Player of the Tournament award, Vincent Makwarela won the award as the best goalkeeper, while Bishop Bila won the award as the top goal scorer. They all received R1 000 each.
Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony, the senior traditional leader in the area, Thovhele Nkhaneni Ramovha, said he was happy the tournament was growing year after year. "We will see to it that we keep on supporting sport and we are urging structures in the community to see to it that the other sporting codes are included next year. We have set our target at R100 000 as prize money."
He added that they were also planning a sports academy to be built there and had already instructed the sports desk to do a feasibility study about the project. "This goes to show that we are serious about sports development here," said Ramovha.