“Sports have the power to bring people of different cultures, races and religions together,” said a traditional leader from Tshaulu village, Vhamusanda Vho-Ntsedzeni Bohwana. She was the guest speaker during the Boy Nemakonde Soccer Challenge prize-giving ceremony at Begwa last Saturday evening.

She praised the sponsor, Mr Boy Nemakonde, for channeling a part of his family income towards the development of football in the area. She said that she has assisted a local netball team financially in the past weeks. During the ceremony, the champions, Tshaulu Mighty Powerlines, were presented with  R10 000, gold medals, a floating trophy, a soccer kit, and six soccer balls.

The runners-up, Munangwe United Brothers, took home R1 500, a soccer kit, silver medals and six soccer balls. Munangwe United Brothers lost 2-3 to Powerlines in the final. Munangwe were presented with another cheque of R1 500 after they were nominated as the team that demonstrated the spirit of fair play throughout the tournament.

Madandila Happy Boys (3rd), received R1 000, bronze medals and six soccer balls. Tshaulu Hungry Lions (4th), were given six soccer balls. The teams booted out in the quarterfinal stage were each given two soccer balls.

The individual awards were presented to Ntshuxeko Simango of Powerlines (top goal scorer), Avhatakali Maungudze of Munangwe United Brothers (best player in the tournament), Mandla Baloyi of United Brothers (best keeper) and Mr Nkhetheni Bohwana of Powerlines (best coach). They received cash prizes of R1 000 each.  During the ceremony, Nemakonde revealed that he will continue to sponsor the tournament in the coming years.