Zamenkomste FC received the largest cheque during the prize-giving ceremony of the Mamu Community Development Easter Soccer Challenge, held at the Ravele Community Hall on Sunday evening.

Zamenkomste received R8 000, a soccer kit, gold medals and a floating trophy. The defending champions, Gogobole FC, were the runners-up. They received a soccer kit, silver medals and R4 000. Muraleni FC, who ended in third position, received R1 900, bronze medals and a soccer kit. The fourth prize went to Manavhela FC, who went home with R1 500 and a new soccer kit.

Madombidzha, Ravele, Masakona and Makhitha received R700 each. They lost in the quarterfinals. The eight teams beaten in the first matches went home with R500 each.

The manager of ET Tshipota Electrification, Mr Eric Tshipota, one of the sponsors, indicated that he will continue to sponsor the tournament in the years to come. He emphasized that he was impressed with the way in which this year’s tournament had been run. He said that the main aim behind his sponsorship was to unearth new talent.

The president of Safa Vhembe, Mr George Kubayi, expressed his appreciation towards the sponsors. "I'm very proud that we have grown young people of real quality," he said. He stated that he was convinced that the tournament would produce stars. "Despite the difficult economic conditions, we still find companies that are prepared to share their takings and support sport," he added

The chairperson of Mamu Community sport development, Ms Violet Nesamari, appreciates the good work done by sponsors for development of young people from grass roots. "We are committed to carrying out the mandate of the South African Football Association to ensure that the game of football is fully developed in all corners of the Makhado municipal area. In the coming season, we will go all out to get sponsorships in order to run the tournament smoothly as well as make the teams happy at the prize-giving ceremony."