Ngwenani Young Chiefs came back from a 0-3 deficit at half time and beat Madombidzha Arsenal 4-3 in the final of the Vhembe Mayoral Cup Tournament at the Makwarela Stadium on Saturday.

As if they were hypnotised, Young Chiefs watched helplessly as Arsenal scored three easy goals within the space of 35 minutes.

Their opening goal came in the 18th minute. Matodzi Mutangwa won the ball from the Chiefs’ defender, Aluwani Masala, and ran to the right corner, from where he unleashed a ground cutter. Vincent Rambuwani, who was in the perfect scoring position, gave the ball the final touch.

Rendani Sithodo of Arsenal was booked for a late tackle on Evans Netshitungulu in the 24th minute. Six minutes later, Eric Sefilaro scored Arsenal’s second goal. His close-range volley hit the back of the net after a scramble within the box.

Arsenal extended their lead in the 35th minute. Matodzi Mutangwa made no mistake after receiving a beautiful pass from his captain, Mavhungu Khodobo.

Young Chiefs approached the last half with more self-confidence, despite the fact that they were three goals down. It was in the 60th minute when they opened their account. Evans Netshitungulu beat the keeper with a half volley after some brilliant moves from behind. Tshilisananai Ratshibvumo of Young Chiefs was also booked for dangerous play on Tshilidzi Sithari in the 67th minute.

Tshifhiwa “One-one” Nedzamba was on target in the 69th minute. Nedzamba completed his brace four minutes afterwards.

Arsenal completely lost shape in the middle of the park soon after the Chiefs’ equalizer. That gave Chiefs a good chance to score their winning goal via Ndivhuwo Khwashaba, seven minutes before the final whistle.

Young Chiefs were presented with R40 000, gold medals and two sets of soccer kit during a ceremony that was held at the stadium shortly after the final whistle.

The runners-up, Madombidzha Arsenal, received R25 000, silver medals and two sets of soccer kit. The third-placed side, Rockers FC, received R15 000, a  soccer kit and bronze medals during the ceremony.

Muthelo FC, who finished in fourth spot, received R10 000 and a soccer kit.

The teams booted out of the competition in the quarterfinal stage, Matanda Golden Arrows, Musina United, Mutandani Pull Together and Khakhanwa United Stars, took home a cheque of R5 000 each.

The champions of the various sporting codes were also presented with their prizes during the ceremony. The winners in the other sporting codes are: Makhado Netball Club (netball), Russel Bungeni High School (girls rugby) and Hluvuka High School (boys rugby).

During the ceremony, one of the sponsors of the competition, Mrs Thifhelimbilu Tshiruma from Mulondoli Life Style Centre, indicated that she was impressed by the manner in which the competition had been run. She further stated that her company’s financial position would dictate whether they would continue to sponsor the competition in the coming years.

Hundred-and-thirty-four teams took part in the competition.