Mulodi Freedom Birds are still in a celebratory mood after winning the Bumba Soccer Tournament at the Phalama grounds on Sunday.

Birds crushed the home boys, Mulodi Young Santos, 4-0 in the final. They beat Muledzhi Fire Boys 1-0 in their semifinal match at the same grounds earlier that day to secure a place in the final.

As the champions, Freedom Birds received R3 000 during a ceremony at the grounds after the final. The runners-up, Mulodi Young Santos, took home R1500. The teams who lost in the semi-final stage, Tshandama Try Together and Muledzhi Fire Boys, were each presented with R500.

During the ceremony, the sponsor, Mr Bumba Netshisaulu, mentioned that the tournament would become an annual event. He also stated that the both number of participating teams and the sponsorship would increase from time to time. Eight teams from Phalama and the surrounding areas, Sambandou United Professional, Mulodi Freedom Birds, Mulodi Young Santos, Muledzhi Fire Boys, Lamvi FC, Rambuda Young Fighters, Tshandama Try Together and Thengwe Flying Peace, battled it out in this year’s tournament.