For their efforts the Page Mahlangu-coached Zamalek were handed R51 000 as the winners’ prize money after the final at a packed Mehlareng Stadium.
Both teams that contested the final are from the Kalambas Section in Tembisa.
The popular competition was yet again graced by a host of professional players with Abarunduli fielding a side that included professionals like Katleko Loke, July Mahlangu, Tshegofatso Mashego, Tsepo Masilela, Cavaan Sibeko and Tsietsi Mahoa.
Other professional players at the two week-long competition, which began on December 16, were Scara Ngobese, Maimane Phiri, S’busiso Zwane and Isaac Mabotsa.
The organisers had decided against the tradition of having teams seeded as has been in previous years and it was ‘game on’ from Day One, with the defending champions G-String getting knocked out in the first round of the 32-team competition.
Bheki Zondo, spokesman for the popular games, says this year’s event was one of the best in its 14-year history.
“We didn’t have the usual giants in the final which shows that it was truly an open competition.”
