Matanda Seven Stars were crowed the Taki Soccer Challenge champions on Sunday, 29 December.

The final of the competition was staged at the Rabali Stadium and Stars beat Rabali Liverpool 3-2. The team received a cash prize of R5 000, a floating trophy and gold medals during a ceremony shortly after the final.

Rabali Liverpool received a cash prize of R3 000 and silver medals. The teams booted out of the competition in the semifinals, Dopeni Mighty Comrades and Sangoma Black Robbers, were each presented with R1 000.

Liverpool’s way to the final went via Sangoma Black Robbers, whom they beat 6-5 in the semifinal. The semifinal matches were staged at the same venue the previous day. Eight teams, Vhulaudzi United Brothers, Mavhunga Home Sweepers, Sheshe Bushbucks, Mauluma All Stars, Sangoma Black Robbers, Dopeni Might Comrades, Rabali Liverpool and Matanda Seven Stars, took part in the tournament.

During the ceremony, one of the organisers, Mr Takalani Rabali, after whom the tournament is named, indicated that he was impressed in the manner in which the tournament was run. He revealed that the tournament will become an annual event. According to him, the number of teams to participate in the tournament and the sponsorship will increase with time.

The tournament is sponsored by Rabali Transport and Signature Restaurant. Apart from the R10 000 which they used in sponsoring the tournament, Rabali Transport also donated school uniforms to the value of R40 000 to138 children from the local Rabali Resource Centre last week.