15th Annual Master Zondo Soccer Tournament successful
“We take this opportunity to thank all the stakeholders for making this event possible and successful."
SEBOKENG.- The 15th Annual Master Zondo Soccer Tournament in 2024 saw the participation of twenty-eight Emfuleni Local Association (ELFA) teams.
This tournament concluded over the weekend at Zone 12 soccer ground, the very same field where former Orlando Pirates player, Steve “Chippa” Lekoelea, used to play, located not far from his parents’ home in Zone 12.
Organized by the Master Zondo Sports Foundation with the assistance of the Department of Sports and Recreation, this annual tournament featured age groups from under-11 to under-17, along with a ladies’ soccer category introduced this year.
Master Zondo Sports Foundation Director, Master Zondo, provided some background, mentioning that the tournament was established in 2009 with just four teams per division. Zondo praised this year’s tournament as a great success, attracting more than ten sponsorships from companies like Major Joint Engineering, Molebeli Industry Cooperate, DSLM Projects, Orthopaedic Care Centre, Sonani Projects, Lerato The Salesman, Shiketa, Heist Of Combos, and the Department of Sports, among others.
“We take this opportunity to thank all the stakeholders for making this event possible and successful. The teams used this tournament to prepare for the ELFA development league, and I do not doubt that this season is going to be exciting. We also thank the teams and players for the quality of football they displayed,” said Zondo.
As part of their community involvement, the foundation donated a soccer kit to Seven Stars FC from Tshepiso.
The winners were:
Sharpeville Rhinos FC was crowned the U/11 tournament champions, with VGSA crowned the champions in the U/13 category. Vaal Juventus FC was the U/15 champions, while Tsiga Stars FC Ladies were crowned the champions in the ladies category.
Manyora FC are the 2024 U/17 Champions after beating Vaal Juventus FC 2-0 in the final. There were also individual awards for players who were outstanding throughout the tournament, including Player Of The Tournament, Top Goal Scorer, and Goalkeeper Of The Tournament.
Meanwhile, Zondo revealed to Sedibeng Ster Sport that the junior league is set to kick off on May 4. The teams are invited to attend a meeting scheduled to take place at the Community Hall in Zone 14, Sebokeng.
