The opening matches of the Nwali Soccer Challenge were played at the Khubvi Benjie's Grounds the past weekend. The tournament was officially launched during a ceremony held at Khubvi Primary School Hall on Thursday, 25 August. Thirty-two teams from all over the Vhembe District are taking part in the tournament.
The toss for the last-16-round matches was conducted at the grounds shortly after the last game on Sunday evening. The last-16-round matches will be played at the same venue this weekend. Four matches will be played on Saturday, while the same number of matches will be seen on Sunday.
Saturday's matches include the one between Tshandama Try Together and Berea FC. Berea FC are one of the favourites to lift the trophy. The other game expected to keep the spectators at the edge of their seats will be between Tshimuthe FC and Thengwe Flying Peace.
Sunday's programme will open with the match between Mulodi Freedom Birds and Rambuda Young Fighters, which is scheduled to start at 10:00.
The champions will take home R10 000. The team that finishes second will pocket R7 000, while the third- and fourth-placed teams will receive R3 900 and R3 000 respectively. Teams booted out of the tournament in the quarter-final stage will each receive a consolation prize of R1 000.
The full fixtures for the last-16-round matches are Berea FC vs Tshandama Try Together, Tshimuthe FC vs Thengwe Flying Peace, Mulodi Freedom Birds vs Rambuda Young Fighters, Khubvi Dangerous Darkies vs Musasenda Big Five, Matangari High Aims vs Malavuwe Great Movers, Annel Real Vikings vs Manamani City FC, Makonde Home Defenders vs Madridtas FC and Phandulaluvalo FC vs Zwaloni FC.