Maniini All Blacks were crowned the 2009 champions of the Vhembe District Mayoral Cup KO Competition, after beating Wayeni Sea Robbers 2-1 in the final of the competition at the Malamulele Stadium on Saturday.

As if they were campaigning in the same division, Sea Robbers managed to match their elder brothers throughout the match. All Blacks approached the game aggressively, with their midfielders distributing some telling passes to the strikers. They missed a fortune in the 16th minute when their overlapping midfielder, Azwinndini Mashego, was brought down within the box. The referee, Mr Calvin Nemavhola, pointed at the white spot. That was a clear penalty for All Blacks. Khodani Fhedzisani caused an upset when he shot straight to the keeper, who brilliantly palmed the ball away for a corner kick.

All Blacks finally opened their account in the 28th minute. Phalanndwa Malivha caught the keeper off guard and blasted in a ground cutter from outside the box. Sea Robbers seem to lost shape in the middle of the park soon afterwards. They were severely punished for that. Mandla “Hillary” Chabalala scored an easy goal after a neat pass from Rofhiwa Netshiungani to bring the half-time score to 2-0.

Jeffrey Modau scored the only goal for Sea Robbers in the 70th minute. Innocent Ngomani of Sea Robbers was given his marching orders for handling the ball intentionally towards the end of the game.

All Blacks were presented with a floating trophy and gold medals during a ceremony that was held at the stadium after the match. Blacks will also be presented with R13 000 during the prize-giving ceremony that will be held on a date still to be announced. The runners-up, Wayeni Sea Robbers, received silver medals during the ceremony on Saturday.

The champions in the ladies category, Maindis, received a floating trophy during the ceremony. Maindis beat Mamvuka Happy Queens 11-1 in the final at the same venue last Saturday.

Several players were presented with special awards during the ceremony. The goalkeeper of Maniini All Blacks, Eugene Mbedzi, was named the goalkeeper of the tour-nament. Azwinndini Mashego of Maniini All Blacks was the top goal scorer with 8 goals during the tournament. The player of the tournament award went to Marvel Mashele of Wayeni Sea Robbers, who received a soccer kit.

The goalkeeper of Mamvuka Happy Queens, Awelani Nesongozwi, was the winner for the goalkeeper of the tournament in the ladies category. The top goal scorer award was shared by Livhuwani Tshiovhe of Mamvuka Happy Queens and Disebo Mametja of Maindis. They scored 11 goals each. Disebo Mametja of Maindis was nominated the player of the tournament in the ladies category.