THOHOYANDOU- Mandiwana Primary School's U/12 football team received a floating trophy and a cash prize of R55 000 when they won the final of the Eskom Northern Region U/12 Knock-out Tournament. The local school beat Mashavele School of Phalaborwa 2-1.

The final match was played as the curtain-raiser before the PSL match between Black Leopards and Supersport United. Mandiwana dictated terms from the first whistle, with their never-say-die attitude. All-rounder Morris Mavhunga was playing well, while Vuledzani Netshivhanise and Vhapo Netshififi ensured that the scoreline was clear at half-time, with their effective defending.

Early in the second half, the boys from Phalaborwa introduced Wisani Maswanganyi and Dipuo Malatjie at the expense of Jabulani Mashaba and Dozer Mashakeni. The introduction did not change the flow of the match initially. The local lads opened the scoring in the 58th minute through Lufuno Ndanganeni, who ran onto a beautiful pass from Morris Mavhunga. Mandiwana pressed hard in order to maintain their lead. Mashavhele failed to absorb the pressure from Mandiwana School, which led to another goal, this time from Phumudzo Tharini.

The 2-0 scoreline lasted until ten minutes from time, when Soy Mashakeni reduced the margin. There was no further chance of scoring until full-time. After the match, Vuledzani Netshivhonise of Mandiwana was named player of tournament. The losing team went home with the runners up prize of R22 000.

The headmaster of Mandiwana Primary school, Ms Ntshavheni Ramabulana, was elated by the result and told Mirror that she is going to sit down with the SGB and decide what are they going do to with their R55 000 prize.