Thenzheni Liverpool are the Ramzas champions

Thenzheni Liverpool are R25 000 richer after they won the 2017 Ramzas Soccer Tournament. This came after they had beaten Tshidzini Happy Fighters 2-1 in the final that was played on New Years’ Day at Matangari.

Happy Fighters pocketed R15 000 and the third place went to Berea FC, who went home with R5 000. The fourth place went to Phandulaluvalo FC, who received R3 500. Berea FC won 2 -1 against Phandulaluvalo.

Apart from the cash prizes, Liverpool also received a floating trophy, soccer kit and a ball. Happy Fighters were also rewarded with a soccer kit and a ball.

The main sponsor of the tournament, Mr Lucky Ramano of Matangari village, had put aside R200 000 to organize the soccer extravaganza. A total of 36 teams from across Vhembe battled for the championship in the form of a knock-out system. 

During the prize-giving ceremony shortly after the final, Ramano said he was happy tha the fifth edition of the tournament had been incident free. “This clearly demonstrates that our people love sports. The spirit, competition and eagerness to entertain were very high as we saw the soccer grounds filled. The fact that all games went well has built our reputation of being one of the best and highest-paying tournaments in Limpopo.”

He said the aim of the tournament was to unearth young talent, entertain sports lovers and to keep the youth off the streets during the festive season. “We have heard about many youths getting involved in drugs, criminal activities and alcohol abuse during the holidays. We are happy that we are winning this war by keeping them busy during this period. We will continue to organize this tournament and we also plan to increase the prizes this year (2018).”

Ramano thanked the tournament organizing committee for their hard work and dedication. “Instead of spending time with their families during the festive season, they volunteered and ran around on soccer fields, making sure that everything as in order. They really deserve to be praised for their love of sports.”

Musanda Vho-Mmbangiseni Randima of Khubvi village praised the sponsor for his love of community development. “As traditional leaders, we strongly support this initiative because it is building our communities. We hope other businesspeople will learn from this initiative and do something to improve lives in their communities.”

Date:11 January 2018

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