The first matches for the 18 teams participating in the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Cup will take place from Monday to Thursday at the Giant Stadium in Soshanguve.
The nine provincial champions and the nine second-placed teams will be in action and the overall winners will walk away with a whopping R1 million in funding for legacy projects at their school. R600 000 awaits the school that finishes in second place, while the third- and fourth-place finishers will receive R500 000 and R400 000 respectively.
Each of the provincial winners has already received R100 000 for their efforts and the national finals give the runners-up the chance to win some money also. Benny's Care from Tshiozwi and Makikele High from the Capricorn district are the two representatives from Limpopo.
The coach of Benny's, Mr Justice Matloga, said that he was happy with the unity in his team. "The boys are doing their best and we have a good understanding." Matloga said their aim was to use the tournament as a stepping stone to the national championship. "Apart from the fact that there is a lot at stake in the competition, it is time for us to fulfil our promises," he added.
He acknowledged that they had learnt from last year's "slip-ups" and will have a different approach this year: "Last year we lost due to a lack of concentration. The boys have to master the art of concentration and focus. I have therefore prepared them mentally not to make simple mistakes." Matloga is also aware that his squad will have to score goals and match their opponents' strength in every game in order to proceed to the next round.