Hundred-and-forty-four teams playing under the banner of the Makhado Local Football Association (Malfa) shared the R240 000 prize money during the prize-giving ceremony  held at the Makhado show grounds on Tuesday.

The president of Malfa, Mr Joseph Maphaha, praised all the sponsors 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.

Maphaha further said that his association appreciated “the selfless contributions” of Limpopo Dairy, Elim Spar, Vuwani Spar, Magwaba Bus Service, Africa Hardware and Vho-Makhadzi Funerals, 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."

During the ceremony, the managing director of Vho-Makhadzi Funerals, Vhamusanda-Vho Tshililo Kanakana, stated that they would continue sponsoring the football association, saying it 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," he added.

The champions are Muraleni United, Maelula New Mates, Elim Mabedengwa FC, Ramukhuba FC, Mabvuka Real Vultures, Nzhelele United Stars, Mukondeni Ratanang FC and Tshiphuseni All Stars. They all received R4 600 each and were promoted to the Safa Vhembe MMK Insurance regional league.