The long-awaited semi-final and final matches of the Nwali Soccer Tournament, which were originally scheduled for last Saturday at the Khubvi Benjie''s Grounds, have been postponed yet again. The event was initially planned for Friday, 16 June, but had to be rescheduled to last Saturday to accommodate three participating teams who were involved in the Safa Vhembe promotional playoff matches over the same weekend.
Berea FC, Mukula Young Santos, and Tshivhazwaulu Peace Makers had secured places in the semi-final stage of the tournament but were representing their respective streams in the promotional playoffs. Young Santos emerged as the overall champions and will now represent the region in the provincial promotional playoffs.
According to one of the organisers of the Nwali tournament, Mr Norman Ramahada, the decision to postpone the matches was influenced by a request they had received from one of the participating clubs, Mukula Young Santos, two days before the event (last Thursday). Ramahada stated that Young Santos had expressed concerns that participating in the semi-final matches would disrupt their preparations for the provincial promotional playoffs.
The spokesperson for Young Santos, Ms Julia Radzilani, echoed Ramahada's sentiments, explaining that the decision to request a postponement had not been taken lightly. She acknowledged that the tournament's prize money would have provided financial assistance to the club and eased the burden of preparation for the promotional playoffs. However, their primary concern was the potential loss of key players because of injuries sustained.
Ramahada stated that the new date for the semi-final and final matches of the Nwali Soccer Tournament will be announced after the provincial playoff matches, which will be held at the Nkowankowa Stadium in Tzaneen.