People’s Cup Charity Tournament trophy goes to Shamfana
Shamfana village proved they are unified behind their soccer team at the 5th annual People’s Cup Charity Tournament after their team was crowned the 2024 champions over the Easter weekend.
On the first day of the tourney, Shamfana won Taulome 4-1 for a place in the semi-finals. On the second day, they played against Daniel, the defending champions. The match ended 2-2 and went to a penalty shootout which Shamfana won 5-4. They then faced the hosts, Lekgwareng village in the finals, and managed to grab the championship with a 2-1 win.
“This is the second time we are the champions. In the first two years, we ended up as the runner-up when we lost to Buqa village in both years. “In the third tournament, we beat Ramotshinyadi to be crowned the champions. “Last year we were again the runner-up after losing to Daniel. This year we won against the hosting team and again became the champions.
Also read: Shamfana triumphs at the People’s Cup Tournament
“This win shows that we are unified as a team and as a community,” said Billy Sekguta, head coach of Shamfana. “We are the soccer-loving community, hence our slogan for the team, we are the home of soccer”. Sekguta said the People’s Cup is one of the biggest tournaments in the area. “We did not only walk away with a trophy, soccer kit, and medals, we also received a cheque of which part of the money will go towards school shoes for the primary school in our village.”
He said their secret is their continuous support for the players and the team. “We have players in the Castle League but prefer to play more of our local players than players from outside,” he added. The coach of Lekgwareng, Michael Mothomoholo, said although they did not win, they were satisfied with their improvement in the tourney.
Also read: Team Daniel brings the People’s Cup home
“As the hosts we have never been in the top position. This outcome shows that we are capable of reaching it and come next year, we will give the other villages a run for their money. This improvement also gives hope to our supporters as they never give up on us,” he said. Lepulana Council Ramaano, a co-founder of the tournament, said that initially the tournament was planned for the Women’s Day week in August, but they decided on Easter as many supporters return home over Easter.
Some of the other founders are Kholofelo Mashao, Cry Masale Mopai, and Cedma Ngwako Ramaahlo. The tourney’s main sponsor is Nkonwane Billy ka Nkonwane Attorney, a law firm specialising in road accidents and divorce. The tournament aims to give back to the community and the champion goes home with R15 000, medals and a new kit, and a cheque of more than R6000 for school shoes. The People’s Cup management is looking for more sponsors. Contact Kholofelo Mashao at 079 649 6262/ 061 465 9310 and Council Ramaano at 083 335 7069 for more information.
