Meet the 2017 Maimane Alfred Phiri Games winners

17 July 2017

 

Debutants Ndengeza FC are the champions of the 2017 Maimane Alfred Phiri Games.

The Giyani, Limpopo, side walked away with the R160 000 first prize after overcoming Black Poison FC 4-3 in a tense penalty shootout during the final of the popular annual tournament at Alexandra Stadium in the City of Johannesburg’s Region E on Sunday July 16.

 

Finalists Black Poison FC pocketed R95 000, while third-placed Mighty Birds FC, who defeated Mabina FC in the semifinals, received R30 000.

The annual tournament, which is backed by the City of Johannesburg, was founded by former Bafana Bafana and Moroka Swallows midfielder Maimane Alfred Phiri in 2001 to unearth local football talent.

Phiri described the final as “tense”. He said both teams performed extremely well but unfortunately there had to be only one winner. He said the match had to go into a penalty shootout because both teams were “very good”.

“We’d like to thank all our sponsors who have made this tournament possible, especially the City of Johannesburg for providing us with this facility to help the youth showcase their talent,” he said during the prize-giving ceremony.

“This, however, would not have been a spectacular tournament it has become without ordinary members of the public, who came in their numbers to watch the games over the past six weeks,” Phiri said.

“We’d like to congratulate Ndengeza FC for their victory. But we would also like to say well done to all the participating teams,” Phiri added.

This was the first time Ndengenza FC entered the tournament. Elated coach Vincent “Ginola” Mashele said Black Poison FC had given his team a run for their money. “We played against a very good team that could have also easily won. The game was very tactical. No one team wanted to make a mistake and both teams were cagey, which led to a good result.”

Tournament Director Percy Ndaba said: “The turnout has shown us there is hunger for football. This is not only entertainment but it also is a way of bringing communities together.” Ndaba also said next year’s first prize will increase to R200 000.

Prizes are funded by Umso Construction, a black economic empowerment company established in 1996. The annual tournament is sponsored by Daily Sun newspaper; African Meter Reading; Coca-Cola; Gauteng Gambling Board; e.tv; Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture; and Recreation; and Alex FM.