"Football was previously a social activity, but these days, it has more opportunities that you can use to make a living," said Mr Jabulani Ndove, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the South African Football Association (SAFA) Limpopo.

He was addressing the players, officials and supporters of Mangaya Living Commodores Football Club during their annual prize-giving ceremony.

Established in 1976, the team now ply their trade under the auspices of the SAFA Promotional League, Stream 4, and they reached position 4 during the recent 2006/2007 soccer season.

The function was held at Deliverance Christian Centre Church, outside Tshilamba, on Saturday evening. The function resembled a feast of trophies as players and officials proudly ascended the stage to reap the rewards of their hard work.

The sounds of Vuvuzelas and screams of Ri do tangana Palathonga replaced hymns and choruses in the fully packed church building while dances of happiness were the order of the day.

Ndove said soccer success does not necessarily start in the field. "Success goes hand in hand with planning. You must set achievable goals for yourselves and you will then reap what you have sown. I am pleased that this community does not look down upon themselves. Others would have said they are not doing the prize giving because they did not take position 1. You have taken position 4 but I am happy because I learnt that you worked in unity to achieve all the goals you set at the beginning of the soccer season. The fact that you are staying in a deep rural area does not have any negative impact because we have great soccer players and administrators who come from rural areas, who are presently the ambassadors of our country."

The team’s public relations officer, Ntodeni Mulovhedzi, says the awards were meant to motivate both players and officials to work hard. "They deserve to be honoured in public because what they have done makes everyone of us proud."

One of the recipients of the awards, Phumudzo Muthivhi (Player of the Year), said: "I am very excited but it did not come as a surprise because I know that I deserve it." Some of the categories and their winners were as follows: Most Improved Player (Robert Tshikangavhadze), Most Disciplined Player (Calvin Mathoma), Most Committed Player (Phumudzo Muthivhi), Player of the Year (Phumudzo Muthivhi), Top Goal Scorer (Rudzani Nekhumbe, 27 goals), Rookie of the Year (Robert Masuwa), Players´ Player of the Season (Calvin Mathoma) and Fan of the Year (Thivhavhudzi Tshivhahuvhi).

The function was sponsored by Masithulela Protection Services and Rendani Sports Shop).