Last Friday was payday for the teams campaigning under the banner of the Thulamela Local Football Association last season.

Cash prizes amounting to R250 000 were distributed to 140 teams during a glittering ceremony held in the Thohoyandou Indoor Centre.

The teams that finished in the first place in the Super League Streams, Dumasi Football Club, Matangari Setters and Iyarunga XI Smarties, were each presented with R5 750. The teams which obtained the second position in the Super League Streams went home with R4 500 each.

The champions in the six streams in the lower division, Sterkstroom Real Chiefs, Mudabula Mighty Bulls, Mukula Fast XI, Gondeni FC, Makonde Brazil and Muhuyu Copper Stars, received R3 875 each.

The prizes of the PIB and MTG Knockout Competition were also dished out during the ceremony. The champions, Iyarunga XI Smarties, became R10 000 richer. They also received a floating trophy and soccer kit. The runners-up, Damani Power Line, received R3 000 and a soccer kit. The third prize of R2 000 went to Tshambobvu Junior Aces, while Mbaleni Happy Boys took home R1 000.

During the ceremony, the president of the South African Football Association, Mr Kirsten Nematandani, appealed to the people to refrain from assaulting match officials. He also reiterated the fact that it was bad for the teams to win matches through bribing match officials. He appealed to the management committee of the association to liaise with the local municipality regarding the upgrading of the sports facilities in the area.