ABC FC have every reason to celebrate. The team were crowned the champions of the ABC Foundation Soccer Tournament at the Tshishivhe Grounds in the Tshilamba area last Sunday. They beat Bashasha Hungry Lions 1-0 in the final to lift the trophy.

ABC were presented with R10,000, a floating trophy, and gold medals during a ceremony at the grounds shortly after the game.

ABC’s road to the final was not an easy one. They registered a narrow 1-0 victory over Lukau Hot Aces in their quarter-final match at the same venue the previous day. Their semi-final match was against Mulodi Freedom Birds, whom they had beaten 3-1 on Sunday morning.

The runners-up, Bashasha Hungry Lions, went home with R2,000, a silver trophy, and silver medals. Tshishivhe Tiger Boys, who finished in third place, were given R1,000 during the ceremony. Brighton Makhovha from Bashasha Hungry Lions was nominated as the best goalkeeper in the tournament. The top goal scorer’s award was presented to Fhumulani “Doto” Nthangeni from ABC FC. Tshimangadzo “Holvin” Nemalale from ABC FC received the player of the tournament award.

The youngest player in the tournament, Mpho Ndou from Bashasha Hungry Lions, was also rewarded. Mr. Oriel “Pitbull” Mulovhedzi received the best referee award. The individual award winners were each given a trophy.

During the ceremony, the sponsor, Mr. Lucas Tshibalo, who is the chairman of the ABC Foundation, revealed that arrangements to stage another big soccer tournament were at an advanced stage. He said that 32 teams from around Vhembe would take part in the tournament and that the champions would take home a whopping R50,000.