TZANEEN – In a nail-biting finale at the Nkowankowa Stadium in Tzaneen on Saturday, April 5, the New England Breakers from the United States emerged victorious at the 2025 Grannies International Football Tournament (GIFT), defeating France’s Les Samiez Foot 10–9 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a goalless draw.

The match ended in heartbreak for the French side, whose captain Patricia Vittorelli missed the decisive penalty, handing the title to the Americans. Vittorelli, a standout player throughout the tournament, won over fans with her exceptional skill, drawing comparisons from commentators to football legend Zinedine Zidane.

The week-long tournament, which kicked off on Wednesday, April 2, brought together elderly women from around the globe, celebrating fitness, friendship, and the enduring love of football.

Former Bafana Bafana star and renowned goal scorer Ishmael Maluleke hosted the closing ceremony, where several individual awards were presented. Kenya’s Elizabeth Tala, at 88 years old, was honoured as the tournament’s oldest player. Zambia’s Lillian Zulu (54) was named Best Midfielder, while the Best Goalkeeper award went to Christiana Matson of the champion US team.

In a moving tribute, some of the original members of the Vakhegula Vakhegula Football Club, the pioneering team of grannies from Nkowankowa, were recognised for their role in the birth of the tournament. Among them was 87-year-old Kokwana Mthombeni Mushwana, the oldest honoree, and 61-year-old Beatrice Chabalala, the youngest.

Beka Ntsanwisi, founder of both GIFT and the Vakhegula Vakhegula FC, delivered a heartfelt address during the ceremony. While expressing gratitude to the local community, families, and sponsors, she criticised politicians and the elite for their lack of support.

“When I pass on, I don’t want any high-profile people taking over my funeral,” Ntsanwisi said. “When I needed their support, they were not there. I want the community of Nkowankowa to bury me, even if it’s in the cheapest coffin, I don’t care.”

Affectionately known as Mama Beka, Ntsanwisi is currently undergoing treatment for a recurrence of colon cancer, having previously been in remission for over a decade. As she shifted focus to her health, she officially handed over the leadership of GIFT to her daughter, Nkhensani Sabela Ntsanwisi.

The next edition of the GIFT tournament is scheduled to be held in Kenya in 2027.