Gondeni’s Big Cat win the R50,000 as Vhanasi champs

Gondeni Big Cat are still in celebratory mood after winning the Vhanasi Soccer Tournament trophy at the Sambandou United Professionals Grounds on Sunday, 31 December. Big Cat beat SMSA FC 2-1 in the final to lift the trophy. Big Cat received R50,000, a floating trophy, two sets of soccer kits, gold medals, and a soccer ball during a ceremony held at the grounds after the game.

The runners-up, SMSA, pocketed R30,000, silver medals, a small trophy, two sets of soccer kits, and a soccer ball during the ceremony. Mashamba Soccer Academy, who finished in third position, went home with R10,000, bronze medals, a soccer kit, a trophy, and a soccer ball. The fourth-placed side, Makhitha Oscar Stars, became R5,000 richer, in addition to receiving a soccer kit and soccer ball.

During the ceremony, awards were presented for Player of the Tournament, Top Goal Scorer, Best Goalkeeper, Best Midfielder, and the Youngest Player. The remaining teams were each given a soccer kit and soccer ball.

Sixteen teams from around Vhembe took part in the annual event. Some of the dignitaries who attended the ceremony include the Minister in the Presidency, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Thovhele Vho Gole Mphaphuli, the mayor of Thulamela Local Municipality, Sarah Rambuda, and the former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana playmaker, Doctor Khumalo.

Addressing the thousands of football lovers during the ceremony, Ms Ntshavheni described sport as the best tool to bring people together. She further stated that such tournaments played a vital role in boosting the local economy, apart from being a good platform for scouts from professional clubs.

Date:12 January 2024

By: Frank Mavhungu

Frank is a Human Resources Manager at the Department of Public Works in Limpopo. He is the longest serving correspondent of the Mirror, having joined us at the end of 1990.  He mainly writes sports reports and resides at Tsianda Village. In 2004, Frank won the National Castle League Award, an award for the best reporter in the SAB league in South Africa.

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