By Masilo Malakwane
QWA QWA – The City Stars Academy of Phuthaditjhaba emerged victorious in the Skuzabel Easter soccer tournament and walked away with the R5,000 prize money and gold medals.
This after they triumphed 5-4 over Sparks United 5-4 to become the champions of the tournament.
The tournament was staged by Lesedi FM presenter Nkunyana Nkunyana, popularly known as Skuzabel.
Nkunyana supporters that he held the tournament to gather kids together the during holidays and inspire their involvement in sport. He also congratulated all the participating teams and thanked everyone involved for making the tournament a memorable one.
“We thank our sponsors: Bibi Cash and Carry, Maluti-a-Phofung local municipality and Tlholo Victory for their support,” said Nkunyana.
This soccer tournament was supposed to have wrapped up on the Easter weekend but was disrupted by heavy downpours and floods which forced the organisers to postpone semi final games for another long weekend on Monday.
Outstanding City Stars Academy players also walkaway with accolades for individual performance. Mbele Mohanyane and Hlongwane Themba scooped trophies for Player of the tournament and Defender of the tournament, respectively, following their exploits throughout the tournament.
Speaking to The Guard, City Stars coach, Mohapi Morapedi said he was very happy that his team had become champions of this tournament. He said the initiative was a reminder to young stars, of the importance of staying healthy and exercising.
“I am very proud of the boys; they showed real character throughout the tournament. It was not a walk-in-the-park kind of the tournament,” said Morapedi.
Runners up Sparks United received R2 500, while third-placed General FC received M1500.
