United Artists were crowned the champions of the Safa Vhembe Total Challenge. They beat Makwarela Development Stars 1-0 in the final at the Univen Stadium on Sunday.

Artists received a floating trophy, soccer kit and R30 000 during a ceremony that was held at the stadium shortly after the final. The runners-up, Makwarela Development Stars, took home R15 000 and a soccer kit. The third-placed Jerome River Bank received R10 000, while Western Stars (4th), became R5 000 richer.

The teams that were booted out of the competition in the quarterfinal stage were each presented with a consolation prize of R2 000.

Mashudu Muthabeni of Makovha All Stars received R1 000 as the top goal scorer. Muthabeni scored 12 goals in the tournament. Kenneth Khwali also received R1 000 as the best goalkeeper of the tournament. Tshililo Mufamadi of Makwarela Development Stars was the player of the tournament and Mr Fhumulani Tshisikule of United Artists was the coach of the tournament.

During the ceremony, a representative from Total South Africa, Mr Neels Kruger, said that the company was impressed with the manner in which the competition was run. He stated that the company would continue to sponsor the league in the coming years, saying the sponsorship wouldl increase with time.

He further stated that their relationship with SAFA Vhembe dated back to 2009. Rabali Pull Together were the first to lift the trophy in 2009, followed by Davhana Shooting Stars, while Ngwenani Young Chiefs were the 2011 champions.

A total of 143 teams took part in this year’s competition.