The opening matches of the Masawe Soccer Tournament were played yesterday (Thursday). Sixteen teams affiliated to the annual event this year.
The tournament was officially launched during a ceremony at the Masawe Car Wash premises last Thursday afternoon. This year's affiliates are: Tshilapfene Arsenal, Ngwenani Manchester United, Mapholi Kill Them All, Mutuwa Brazilians, Gooldville Young Tigers, Vhufuli Pull Together, Tshitereke Citizen Stars, Vondwe United Brothers, Ngudza United Brothers, Domboni FC, Makhuvha up the Ants, Rallies FC, Vondwe Dangerous Tigers, Lunungwi United, Khubvi Peace Makers and Tshivhungululu Hungry Vultures.
Four matches were played at the Makhuvha SK New Look grounds in the opening round, and four matches were staged at the Vhufuli Gooldville grounds.
According to one of the organizers of the tournament, Mr Thulani "Dolezar" Malusele, the semi-final matches will be staged at the Vhufuli Gooldville grounds next Wednesday, 26 December. The final will be played at the same venue on Monday, 30 December. This year's champions will take home R5 000, soccer kit, a floating trophy, gold medals and a soccer ball.
The runners-up will receive R2 500, a soccer kit, silver medals and a soccer ball, while the third-placed team will receive R1 500, soccer kit and a soccer ball.
The team that will finish in the fourth place will be given R800, a soccer kit and a soccer ball, while the teams booted out of the tournament in the quarter-final stage will take home R250 and a soccer ball each. The remaining teams will receive a consolation prize of a soccer ball each.
Several individual cash prizes will also be presented to the best players. Tshilapfene Arsenal are the defending champions