Teams playing under the banner of the Makhado Local Football Association (MALFA) in the Vuwani stream shared the R10 000 prize money which was sponsored by Makhadzi Funerals last Saturday at Tshimbupfe.

During the ceremony, the managing director of the company, Vhamusanda vho Tshililo Kanakana, stated that they would continue sponsoring the football association, saying this formed part of their mission. "As a company, it is our obligation to ensure that the society in which we are living is healthy, and sponsoring football is a step in the right direction." Kanakana said that the aim of his company in funding sport was to develop rural young people, keep the youth off the street and prevent them from abusing alcohol.

The coordinator of MALFA at Vuwani, Mr Avhapfani Mudau, praised Makhadzi Funerals for their decision to sponsor football. "I'm very proud that we have grown young people of real quality," he said. He stated that he was convinced that the league would produce stars who would receive international recognition soon. He indicated that football had risen to be the world's number one sport in terms of participation and spectatorship.

"It is no wonder companies sponsoring football are going from strength to strength," he added. Mudau further said that the MALFA appreciated the selfless contribution of Limpopo Dairy, Elim Spar, Vuwani Spar, Africa Hardware and now Makhadzi, who were all in the forefront of developing the local youth. "Despite the difficult economic conditions, we still find companies that are prepared to share their takings and support us."

The champions, Kuruleni Happy Boys, went home with R3000. The runners-up, Tshivhadzwaulu Peace Makers, collected R2000 and R1 500 went to Vuwani, who ended in the third position. Tshakhuma Peace Lovers received R1 000 for finishing fourth. Phumudzo Mulaudzi and Pfunzo Dzuguda of Tshivhadzwaulu Peace Makers were named player and goalkeeper of the tournament. Hlaulani Rikhotso of Kuruleni Happy Boys was nominated as player of the tournament. All three players went home with R200 each.