FC BK City Crowned 2024 Ramorongwa Foundation Champions Rooiwal Village Celebrates Another Memorable Tournament. The 2024 Ramorongwa Foundation Top 16 Tournament concluded in spectacular fashion as FC BK City emerged as champions after a thrilling final match against Danone FC. The tournament, organized by the Ramorongwa Foundation, has become an annual highlight for the youth of Rooiwal Village and neighboring communities, drawing participants and supporters together in the spirit of sportsmanship and community engagement. Ramorongwa Foundation chairman, Lesiba Joas Kgole, emphasized the tournament's objective “Our annual tournament aims to keep the youth positively entertained during the festive season instead of indulging in alcohol and other substances. December is a time when the youth, who usually live outside Rooiwal for jobs or studies, return home to reconnect with their community. The tournament provides a platform for engagement, sportsmanship, and growth.” The foundation aligns its mission with providing resources and opportunities for community development, and this year’s event was no exception. The tournament featured 16 teams competing fiercely over five days: December 26 & 27: The first 8 teams competed on the 26th, with 4 advancing to the quarter-finals. The remaining 8 teams played on the 27th, completing the quarter-final lineup. December 28: The quarter-finals saw 8 teams battling for a spot in the semi-finals. December 29: The semi-finals narrowed the competition to FC BK City and Danone FC, with Mapela Dynamos and Rich Hobbo competing for third place. December 30: The much-anticipated finals took place, with a third-place playoff in the afternoon and the final match at 16:00. Mapela Dynamos secured third place with an impressive 3-0 victory over Rich Hobbo, while FC BK City triumphed over Danone FC in a tense penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw during regulation time. The tournament drew large crowds, including parents, siblings, and children from Rooiwal and surrounding villages. All 16 teams demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, competing for the grand prize of R60,000, a cow, and medals. The final match was a testament to the competitive spirit, with both FC BK City and Danone FC delivering outstanding performances. FC BK City manager, Tebogo Mashabane, expressed his pride in the team stating that "The journey was not easy, but my players showed resilience, both physically and mentally. Having lost in the finals last year, the team believed this was their year, and they delivered.” Player of the tournament, Chaba Tshepiso from Moletji Ga Sako, shared his excitement “I am very proud to have been crowned the best player of the tournament. It’s a great honor, and the trophy means a lot to me.” The Ramorongwa Foundation is already planning for the next tournament, with goals to expand the participating teams to 25, include more Banyana Banyana teams, and introduce under-17 and under-19 categories. The foundation also aims to establish an academy to nurture local talent and provide opportunities for growth. Long-term projects include building a stadium and a community hall to host skill development programs and extra lessons for schoolchildren. Chairman Lesiba Joas Kgole expressed gratitude to sponsors INVESTEC, AQUALLE, and UNJANI Clinic, whose contributions were instrumental in the tournament's success. As the 2024 Ramorongwa Foundation Champions, FC BK City walked away with R30,000, a soccer kit, a cow, medals, and the championship trophy. A whooping R60000 was at stake for the tournament. The victory was not just a testament to their skill but also their perseverance and determination to claim the top spot. The 2024 tournament has set a high standard, and with plans already underway for next year, the Ramorongwa Foundation continues to inspire and unite the community through the love of sports.
