Thohoyandou Secondary School have reason to celebrate. They were crowned the champions of the annual Irfani Soccer Tournament after beating Marude Secondary 1-0 in the final at the Thohoyandou Technical High School grounds on Saturday.

Thohoyandou beat Liivha Secondary School 2-1 in their semi-final match at the same venue earlier that day. Anzani Ralushai scored a brace for Thohoyandou and Liivha managed to pull one back later in the game.

Marude’s way to the final went via Thohoyandou Technical, whom they beat 5-4. The winner was determined through penalty shoot-out after a goalless stalemate at the end of the regulation time.

In their losers’ final match that was played shortly before the final, Thohoyandou Technical brutally walloped Liivha 4-1.

The champions, Thohoyandou Secondary, were presented with R1 000, four soccer balls, soccer kit, a floating trophy, certificates and gold medals. The runners-up, Marude Secondary, received R500, certificates, three soccer balls and silver medals.

The third-placed Thohoyandou Technical received R300, bronze medals, two soccer balls and certificates. Liivha Secondary were given a consolation prize of R200, a soccer ball and certificates.

Nkhumeleni Gumani of Thohoyandou Technical took home the best player of the tournament award. He received R300, a trophy and certificate during the ceremony. He also shared the top goal scorer award with Anzani Ralushai of Thohoyandou Secondary. They were given R300, a trophy and a certificate each.

The best referee of the tournament, Mr L Ndou, received R500, a trophy and a certificate. The coach of Thohoyandou Secondary, Mr L Mudau, received the best coach award. He was presented with R500, a trophy and a certificate during the ceremony.