All teams that participated in the Shayandima Soccer Challenge went home smiling, after they were given cash incentives and medals after the games.

The games, which are held during the off season, were won this year by Shayandima Silver Stars in the men's section and by Shayandima Morning Stars in the ladies' section.

Silver Stars beat Tshedza FC 3-0 in the finals, while Shayandima Disco Stars walloped Dark City Soccer Development 6-0 in the ladies' section.

For their hard work, Silver Stars received an amount of R2500, a big trophy and medals. In the ladies' section, Shayandima Morning Stars received R2 000, a trophy and medals.

The losers also received cash prizes and medals for participating.

Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony, community leader and one of the founders of the tournament Alex Nemakonde said the tournament was in its second year and was already yielding good results. “More and more youths are patronizing these games and we are very excited with the progress so far,” he said.

He said they were looking at 25 youths from each team, which totaled 125 youths who were taken off the streets because of the game. “The 125 we target also bring their friends and relatives, which makes this day one of the most memorable in our township. We observe strict discipline during the games. We do not allow liquor during our games and we are satisfied with the high standard maintained by the players and their fans," he added

He said as community leaders they had thought of ways to curb the spiralling rate of crime by introducing soccer tournaments in the townships.