Cash prizes amounting to R200,000 were distributed among the clubs that participated in the Matsila annual soccer tournament during a ceremony held at Majosi on Saturday.

The sponsor of the tournament, Chief Livhuwani Matsila of the Chief Livhuwani Matsila Foundation, said that sponsorships played a vital role in sports development. Matsila stated that the tournament aimed to unearth soccer talent in disadvantaged rural areas. “We will continue to empower local teams, so that we can build a healthy nation,” he said.

The MEC for Public Works, Roads, and Infrastructure, Ernest Rachoene, praised the sponsors and added that he was very proud “that we have grown young people of real quality.” He expressed confidence that the tournament would soon produce stars who would receive international recognition. He also emphasised the importance of education, noting that sportspeople must not neglect their studies. “You can be a star today and be written off the following day. Education will never forsake you, and you can bank on it,” he added.

The champions, Magoveni FC, went home with R25,000, a soccer kit, gold medals, a floating trophy, and 20 pairs of soccer boots. The runners-up, SM United Brothers, received R18,000, silver medals, 20 pairs of soccer boots, and a soccer kit.

Vyeboom Marikani collected R12,000, 20 pairs of soccer boots, and bronze medals, while Kurhuleni Happy Fighters collected R8,000, a soccer kit, and 20 pairs of soccer boots for finishing in fourth position. Mbeli FC, who took fifth place, went home with a soccer kit, R2,000, and soccer boots. Masakona Baryen Manash also collected R2,000, a soccer kit, and soccer boots for finishing in sixth position.