This year's edition of the ABC Foundation Soccer Tournament is set to be the biggest yet, both in terms of the sponsorship amount and the number of participating teams. The tournament was launched during a ceremony held at The Sands Hall in Shadani last Saturday.
Thirty-two teams from across Vhembe will take part in this year's event. The winners will walk away with a R50,000 cash prize, a floating trophy, gold medals, two sets of soccer kits and a soccer ball. The runners-up will receive R15,000, silver medals, two sets of soccer kits and a soccer ball. The losing semi-finalists will each receive R5,000, a set of soccer kit and a soccer ball.
Speaking at the launch, Deputy President of the Safa Vhembe Regional League Mr Colbert Nempumbuluni appealed to the mayor of the Thulamela Local Municipality, Sarah Rambuda, to expedite the erection of a security fence around the pitch at Makonde Stadium. He said the tournament had been sanctioned by his association and warned that misconduct by players or club officials would reflect poorly on the league.
Responding to his appeal, Mayor Rambuda said the municipality was committed to ensuring that all stadia under its jurisdiction met Premier Soccer League standards.
The opening matches will take place over the weekend of 16 and 17 August, with the final scheduled for Saturday, 20 September. The draw for the first-round fixtures was conducted during Saturday's ceremony.