Vuma Primary School overcomes Phakama Combined School to be crowned the Back to school soccer tournament champions.
The brainchild of Pastor Ray Mabena and his team organised the soccer tournament between eight teams who adopted school names for the tournament.
The aim of the tournament was to encourage the children to go back to school to learn and show them the importance of education in their lives.
The tournament was played at the Lynnville Stadium on Monday, January 13.
The eight teams were: Witbank Black Aces (Itireleng Primary School), Real United (Pine Ridge), Young Arsenal (Vuma Primary School), Real Ovies (Witbank Primary School), Vikings FC (Khonzimfundo Primary School), Siyamusa Sundowns (Nkonjane Primary School), Black Bees Academy (Phakama Combined School).
The tournament was played in rainy conditions and it ended in a penalty shootout to determine the winner after the team played to a goalless draw.
Both teams had their fair chance to score but it was Vuma who had the upper hand who kept on knocking in the Phakama goalmouth.
Vuma had a chance which was blocked by the alert Phakama goalkeeper.
At one stage Vuma staged their attacks from the wings which did not bear any positive results.
While Vuma kept on the momentum, Phakama also had a chance which went wide.
Another Vuma attack missed the target by inches.
The team went for halftime at 0-0 and with a slight drizzle the teams were on the attack trying to break the deadlock but nothing came out of their efforts.
A Phakama forward had a breakthrough which was easily defended by the Vuma defenders.
The game swing from one end to the other end until the team went for an extra time and the penalties and Vuma won the encounter 4-2 beating Phakama.
Pastor Mabena would like to thank the following companies and people: Umlilo Wevangeli and Kasi Football League, Zenzele Funeral Home, Emalahleni Local Municipality, Emalahleni Sports and Recreation, Emalahleni FM, Bule Ranape, Penuel Nathi, Branco Hlophe, Mrs Glory Dhlamini, Sisi Girl Dhlamini, Mr Stanley Mahlangu and Lovelife.