Gawula Academy the Zama Zama champs

Gawula Academy’s players have reason to celebrate as they were crowned the champions of the Zama Zama Soccer Challenge at the Homu 14B Grounds on Sunday, 31 December. Gawula defeated Ngove Mapantsula FC 3-2 in the final to lift the trophy. They were presented with R60,000, a floating trophy, a soccer kit, and gold medals during a ceremony held at the grounds after the game.

The runners-up, Ngove Mapantsula, received R30,000, a soccer kit, and silver medals. Teams eliminated in the semi-final round, Kulani Ama 2000 FC and Mandla Ku Lova, each took home a cash prize of R10,000.

Gawula Academy’s path to the final went through Kulani Ama 2000, whom they defeated 4-2 in the semi-final stage. The winner was determined through a penalty shootout, following a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation time.

Not only did Gawula lift the trophy, but they also managed to scoop up all the individual awards. Their playmaker, Harmony Mabunda, was the Player of the Tournament. Shaun Baloyi was presented with the Top Goal Scorer award with four goals in the tournament, while their team’s head coach, Mr Harry Malungani, was the best coach of the tournament.

The ladies’ soccer category was won by First Touch Academy, who beat Madombidzha Ladies 2-1 in the final. First Touch was presented with R15,000 and a floating trophy, while Madombidzha went home with R9,000. The masters’ category was won by Nwa Marhanga Masters. They beat Malamulele Masters 5-4 in a penalty shootout. Nwa Marhanga went home with a floating trophy, a soccer kit, and gold medals.

Some of the businesses and individuals who sponsored the tournament include TM Chauke Attorneys, Xilumani Hotel, Hollywoodbets, Dr Muxe Chabalala, and Casper Mbombi. Thirty-four teams from Mopani and Vhembe District participated in the main category.

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.

Read: 1488