Nzhelele Blackpool were crowned the champions for the Youth Day tournament which was staged at the Tshikombani Stadium on Monday.

They beat Maniini All Blacks 4-2 in the finals. The winner was determined through penalty shoot-out.

Blackpool’s goals were scored by Khathu Tshivhase, Ramaano Nepfumembe, Rendani Luvhengo and Gouris Munyai, while Tshilidzi Nemabaka’s shot went wide. Four teams, Nzhelele All Nations, Nzhelele Blackpool, Diarora FC and Maniini All Blacks, took part in the one-day tournament.

Nzhelele Blackpool’s way to the final went via Nzhelele All Nations, whom they beat 5-1 in the first semifinal, which was staged at the same venue earlier that day. The five goals for Blackpool were scored by Moses Nematswerani, Ramaano Nepfumembe, Rofunwa Silima, Khathu Tshivhase and Mukosi Mafenya.

Maniini All Blacks beat Diarora to book a place in the final. Their goals were scored by Hillary Chabalala and Nkhumeleni Razwimisani.

The champions, Nzhelele Blackpool, were presented with a cash prize of R1 500 during a ceremony that was held at the stadium later that afternoon. The second-placed Maniini All Blacks received R500 for their achievement. The losers in the semifinal stage, Nzhelele All Nations and Diarora FC, went home with empty hands, as there were no consolation prizes.

According to the sponsor, Mr Rudzani Munzhedzi, the tournament will become an annual event. Mr Munzhedzi revealed that the prizes will increase with time.