After beating Ama 2000 5-3 on penalties in the finals of the Lerato Lamola Winter Games 2023, Al Nassir FC known as Bafana Ba Oil are the new champions of this year’s edition.
There were 32 teams that participated in the tournament that took place at Lord Khanyile Hall spot group, but on July 1 only four remained to compete in the semifinal matches and finally the final — Bruno, Al Nassir, Ama 200, and TM FC.
Bruno played against Bafana Ba Oil in the first semis and the score ended in a 0-0 draw as Al Nassir went on to win 5-4 on penalty shootouts thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Masedi Macharly.
However, Ama 2000 made it to the finals as the fans’ favourite as they managed to score three goals past the TM shot-stopper in the second semis, while TM had only to responded with two.
The tournament director, Ridge Monga Ndlovu said they wish all 32 teams that participated in the eighth edition of the tournament the utmost success in their future endeavours and they hope to see them back again next year.
First thanks to all 32 teams who took part in this year’s edition. Without teams, there is no Lerato Lamola Winter Games. Your presence, skills, and entertaining soccer will always be defined as what we call ‘Ubumnadi ne Diski lase Kasi’ We thank you all,” said Ndlovu.
“Congratulations to Bafana Ba Oil, Al Nassir for winning the grand prize. Congratulations to the other three teams for making it all the way to the last day of the tournament.”
Al Nassir walks away with the grand prize of R100 000.
Ama 2000 skipper, Isaac Sambo won player of the tournament, while Al Nassir Goalkeeper, Masedi Macharly won goalkeeper of the tournament.
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