Byline: Refeloe Letsoisa
29 April 2025
The Tesh Foundation hosted a four-day tournament at Ext 15 Cheap Corner Ground in eMbalenhle.
The aim of the tournament was to honour the late Phezulu FC player, Nhlanhla, popularly known as ‘Voda’ Masina, who passed on in a car accident in February 2025. Also to promote and celebrate the talent of young players in Govan Mbeki Municipality.
The games started on Friday, 18 April 2025, and ended on Monday, 21 April 2025 with Sixteen (16) teams competing.
“We are happy because the Foundation improved from the previous tournament and that the residents of GMM supported the initiative because this helped many players honour one of the best players, the late Nhlanhla Masina,” said Vusimuzi Mbokazi, founder of the Tesh Foundation.
Egampukeni FC took the trophy home after winning 6-5 on penalties against West United FC.
Tlotliso Matlabe, vice captain of Egampukeni FC, stated that he is proud of the team for winning this tournament, as it was not easy. In certain games they had to come from behind to win games, which showed a lot of character from the players.
“Our players are insanely talented. We have reached 4/4 finals of the tournaments that we have participated in. We should remain motivated and focused, as we can achieve a whole lot more and dominate the eMbalenhle football. We also could not have done this without the brains of our coaches; we credit them as well for their input in our team,” said Matlabe.
The players of Egampukeni FC also received gold medals and a cash prize of R30 000.00.
“The management of the team discussed the prize and we concluded that we will share the money and save some to affiliate for other tournaments because we are still to play more games.
I am so happy and excited, it was not easy to win but God helped us and we thank our supporters,” said Lungelo Khoza, the coach of Egampukeni FC.
Meanwhile, West United FC was also awarded a cash prize of R10 000.00.
