Baduzah R200k soccer tournament opens in Makhushane
A Limpopo foundation chairman says his own experience of poverty drove him to create opportunities for people, as his soccer tournament doubles in size this year.
PHALABORWA – Baduzah Foundation has raised the stakes in local football with the launch of its second annual soccer tournament, expanding from a top 32 competition to a top 64 tournament offering R200 000 to the winners.
Led by chairman Aubrey Ngobeni, the tournament opened at Phalaborwa Celtics Sports Ground in Makhushane on Saturday, October 10, attracting teams from across Limpopo.
The champions will pocket R200 000, with the runners-up receiving R100 000, third place R50 000 and fourth place R30 000. Teams eliminated in the quarterfinals will each receive R5 000. A master’s tournament will also begin when the main competition reaches the top 16 stage.
Road race joins the line-up
The opening weekend featured a 7.5km open marathon, introduced by the foundation for the first time. Runners competed for cash prizes. Four teams played on Saturday before local artists entertained the crowd.
Both male and female marathon winners received R10 000, with R5 000 for second place, R2 500 for third and R1 000 for fourth.
Roseline Magagane won the women’s category, followed by Evidence Mudzamiri, Nkhala Malungane and Mmapula Tshehla. Mosa Thuketana won the men’s race, with David Makhura second, Winky Chauke third and Mpho Maake fourth.
Narrow wins and shootouts on the field
On the soccer field, Bollanoto Blue Birds defeated Lorraine Happy Stars 1-0, while Phalaborwa Celtics secured a 1-0 victory over Team Mametja FC.
Sunday’s matches produced two penalty shootouts. Mthunzi Liver Brothers beat Try Again Roma 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, while Thakila FC defeated Love and Peace 4-3 after the teams also drew 1-1.
Defending champions set the pace
Defending champions Lulekani Try Again FC continued their pursuit of another title with a 2-0 victory over Nkomo C FC, becoming the first team in the tournament to win by that margin in regular time.
Last year’s Top 32 champions walked away with R100 000.
Chairman explains the motivation
Ngobeni said his personal experience of poverty motivated him to create opportunities for people to improve their lives. He confirmed that the marathon would become an annual event.
Phalaborwa NTT Toyota is also supporting the tournament.
