KOTA Junior edged Shah United 3-2 on penalties to clinch yesterday's Rainfresh Superwater Futsal Championship.

Pitting two of the country's most active futsal clubs, the final at the Multipurpose Hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas was always going to be an evenly contested one evident by the 0-0 scoreline at full-time.

Kota Junior's goalkeeper Arif Hj Umar proved to be the difference after saving Fakhri Hj Bangkol's penalty, with the win handing them the champion's trophy and $500 cash prize.

Shah United received a trophy and $250 cash prize.

The Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council 'A' took third after pipping Rizfit Football Team 1-0 courtesy of a strike by Ak Md Kamarul Pg Kamaludin in the eighth minute.

They were awarded a trophy and $100 cash prize. Rizfit didn't go home empty-handed after also being given a trophy.

Rainfresh Superwater representative Ann Chieng presented the trophies and cash prizes.

Held for the first time, the tournament saw 24 teams take to the court during Friday's opener. The teams were divided into eight groups and the top-two teams from each group progressed to the second round, which was also held on Friday.

Kota Junior have been enjoying a rich vein of success of late so yesterday's win should come as no surprise.

Among their recent highlights include winning the SA Premium Futsal Challenge 2011 in December and the open category trophy during October's Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Golden Jubilee Futsal Championship.

The tournament was the first of the year organised by the Futsal Indoor Team (FIT) from the Department of Youth and Sports, with another one in the pipeline for March.

"It was aimed at finding new talent in the sport and the signs were encouraging," said FIT representative Mohamad Sufri Tanjong yesterday.The Brunei Times