This is as a result of the consistency and the continual growth of the games.
Bambeni United from Giyani played in the finals and took home R120 000 in prize money after smashing Mawa Block 12, 5-4 in penalties.
Runner-up, Mawa took home R40 000, Buqa in the third position received R25 000 and Mokgwathi in fourth position left with R15 000.
Maurice Ngobeni, captain of the winning team, told the Herald that they are ecstatic and still can’t believe that they are the champions.
The winners of the tournament only get 50% of the cash prize money, the other half goes to a community project in their village.
The 2021 event had 48 villages from the Mopani region, each represented by their best soccer team.
MAST started in 2015 with only eight villages participating in the event.
Also read: TZANEEN: Makoti crowned Mopani champs
It was established by Mokhwakhwe Pilusa in honour of his late father, Makoti Pilusa, who contributed generously to the community.
“He reignited soccer tournaments and unearthed raw talent in our region.
“He has helped to keep young people from the streets, especially during the holiday season,” Mokhwakhwe explained.
The groundbreaking tourney lasted seventeen days and was concluded on Saturday, January 2.
Other tournaments which were part of the event included ladies soccer, U/17 soccer and netball.
MAST was also not immune to the the impact of Covid-19 pandemic, in 2020 they were forced to put on hold the games.
Teams interested in participating in the 2022 tournament are welcomed and are encouraged to look out for updates on MAST social media pages or call 082 542 5435.
