The team of Madombidzha Hungry City Lions won the KFC U/13 Development Tournament the past weekend. They beat the hosts, Mabaleng Development, 2-0 in the final to secure the trophy.

Madombidzha Hungry City Lions came up against their neighbours, Madombidzha Congo XI in the semi-final, but easily beat them 3-0. In the other semi-final, Mabaleng Development came up against Gogobole Madrid. This was a closely contested match, which Mabaleng won 1-0.

Madombidzha Hungry City Lions’ chairperson, Mr Antony Takara, said that his players had surprised everyone, including themselves, by bringing home the trophy. This was the first major victory for the team and will do much to motivate the players, he said.

The tournament was organised by Mamu Community Development, in an effort to get young people involved in healthy activities such as sport. Mamu’s general secretary, Mr Jafter Mamugudubi, said that they were very impressed with the quality of soccer played during the tournament. The tournament also serves as a scouting opportunity, where exceptional talent can be identified.

Mamugudubi said that they would try and send more young players to national academies. In 2020, Rirothe Junior Manentjie was sent to the Bidvest Wits Football Academy. Manentje is currently part of the Stars of Africa Academy of Farouk Khan.

He also thanked the sponsors who had made the past weekend’s tournament possible. These include Premjee & Son Cash and Carry, Hollywoodbets, Hollywood Foundation, KFC, Collins Sebola Group, Hyundai Louis Trichardt, BP Filling Station, Talisman Hire Tools, Postnet Makhado Crossing, Mikasa, Playboy Sports, Phadziri Bus Service and Coaches, Coca Cola Powerade, FNB, Leach Printers, Trade Post 2076cc & Afrox, Soutpansberg Koelkamers, Ntivo's Freshly Baked Scones and Melton Lufuno Security and Projects.