Thenga Black Lions beat Mashau Hungry Lions 2-1 in the final of the PTV Muambi Soccer Tournament at the Vhafamadi School grounds last Saturday.

Eleah Mudau, who scored a brace in the match, missed a great scoring chance in the 16th minute. He watched in disbelief as his half-volley missed the goal mouth by inches. Hungry Lions had their regret nine minutes later. Their playmaker, Takalani Managa, was unlucky as his close-range volley hit the woodwork and bounced outside the field of play.

Black Lions were the first to draw blood. In the 29th minute they were awarded a free kick just outside the penalty box, after Kenneth Mudau was brought down by Fhumulani Maemu. Mudau scored from the set piece with a volley. Black Lions enjoyed their 1-0 lead until proceedings for the first half came to an end.

Hungry Lions’ equaliser came in the 59th minute. The keeper of Black Lions, Webster Mapukule, mishandled the ball and Ndaedzo Musekene blasted in a rocket. Black Lions reclaimed their leadership late in the game. Eleah Mudau headed home after a scramble within the penalty box.      

Black Lions received a floating trophy, R2 000 cash and gold medals during a ceremony that was held at the grounds after the final. The runners-up, Mashau Hungry Lions, received R600, while the player of the tournament, Eleah Mudau of Black Lions, received a trophy. Mudau scored four goals in the tournament, two of which were scored in the final.

The best goalkeeper of the tournament, Thanyi Mutele of Hungry Lions, also received a trophy.

Four teams, Mashau Hungry Lions, Thenga Black Lions, Mashau Bafanas and Mashau Young Stars, took part in the one-day tournament. Mashau Hungry Lions beat Mashau Bafanas 1-0 in the first semifinal, while Black Lions’ way to the final went via Mashau Young Stars, whom they beat 2-1.

According to one of the organizers of the tournament, Mr Patrick Madavhu, the aim of staging a tournament was to launch the newly formed club, Mashau Bafanas, officially. Madavhu revealed that the new club will affiliate to the Makhado Local Football Association at the beginning of next season. “Our aim is to see the team campaigning in the Safa second division in three years' time,” he added.

Last Saturday’s tournament was sponsored by PTV Radio Communications, Mjayeli Security Services, Madavhu Investments and Tshipembe Mzanzi Projects.