This year’s edition of the Thovhele NTL Mashamba Soccer Tournament is set to be the biggest local football tournament yet in terms of sponsorship and prize money, with 32 teams having confirmed their participation.
The tournament is open to teams affiliated with the SAFA Vhembe Regional League and will be played at the Mashamba Grounds after the FIFA World Cup.
The chairperson of the organising committee, Mr Ace Mbedzi, said this year’s champions will walk away with R90,000, a floating trophy, two sets of soccer kits, gold medals and a soccer ball. The runners-up will receive R35,000, two sets of soccer kits, silver medals, a trophy and a soccer ball.
The third-placed team will be awarded R13,500, bronze medals and a soccer kit, while the fourth-placed team will receive R6,500 and a soccer kit.
Mbedzi said the tournament is celebrating its third anniversary this year. It was established in 2020 with only 16 participating teams but has since grown to accommodate 32 teams.
The teams confirmed for this year’s tournament are Tshikwani Stone Breakers, Eagles United FC, Mpheni Academy, Mukondeni Royal FC, Madombidzha Try Again, Samsa FC, Mashamba Soccer Academy, Vhembe Tron, Mashamba Benfica, Sekgosese FC, Matanda Rockers, Valdezia FC, Ndiitwani FC, Chavani Shining Stars, Goo Record Breakers, Makonde FC, Makhitha Oscar Stars, Xilumani FC, Mphazha Try Again, Chavani United, Sereni Home Boys, Ramantsha Blackpool, Madombidzha Arsenal, Mashau Pull Together, Tshitanda United FC, Maelula United Brothers, Mukondeni Shooting Stars, Matsa All Stars, ABC FC, Rabali Pull Together, Muwaweni Lucky Stars and Bushriver FC.
The official launch and tournament draw will be held at Mashamba FET College on 21 June, starting at 09:00.