Bale Vini FC emerged as the new champions of the Councillor Fistos Mafela Soccer Tournament after defeating the evergreen Mabvete Peace Makers 8-7 in a well-attended match at Madimbo Stadium on 24 December. The two teams played to a 1-all draw before proceeding to a penalty shoot-out.
The final round of the competition was attended by the MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Tshitereke Matibe, along with many members of the Limpopo Legislature.
Vini FC received R20,000, a new soccer kit, gold medals, a ball, and a trophy. The runners-up, Mabvete Peace Makers, went home with R10,000, a new soccer kit, a ball, and silver medals. Third place went to Muswidi Happy Fighters, who received R3,000, a ball, and bronze medals. Madimbo TRT received R2,500 and a ball.
According to the organiser, Cllr Fistos Mafela, the main purpose of the tournament was to unite the young people in the Niani area. "It is during such events that people learn how to organise themselves," he added. Mafela urged the youth to take their education seriously if they wanted to succeed in life. "As organisers, it is our obligation to ensure that the society in which we live is healthy. Participation in sport is a step in the right direction. Let us help prepare our youth to be responsible members of society who can contribute positively to the development of our country," he said.
Matibe praised the sponsor and added that he was very proud "that we have grown young people of real quality" and was convinced that the league would soon produce stars who would receive international recognition.