The quarter-final matches of the Nwali Soccer Tournament will be played at the Khubvi Benjie's Grounds on Saturday. Judging by the teams still in the running, spectators can expect fireworks.
The eight teams still in contention are SDA Ya Limpopo, Saudi FC, Manamani City, FC Basel, Mukula Young Santos, Matangari Rising Stars, Thohoyandou Manchester Flying Stars and ABC FC.
SDA Ya Limpopo and Saudi FC will be the first teams to take to the pitch, with their match scheduled for 09:00. Saudi caused an upset last Saturday when they rose to the occasion and beat Tshimuthe FC 5-4 in a penalty shootout, following a goalless draw at the end of regulation time.
Manamani City will face FC Basel in the second fixture. The past weekend brought mixed fortunes for Basel. They lost 5-3 to Vhembe Tron in the semi-finals of the Kamurini Soccer Tournament at the Lambani Mahagala Grounds on Saturday, but bounced back the next day to beat Madridtas FC 1-0 at the Khubvi Benjie's Grounds, securing a quarter-final spot.
Manamani City had a tough path to the last eight, edging Makonde FC 3-2 last Sunday.
Mukula Young Santos are bracing for a challenging encounter as they take on Matangari Rising Stars.
Sparks are expected to fly in the final fixture of the day when Thohoyandou Manchester Flying Stars meet ABC FC. Both teams narrowly missed out on promotion last season. If last Sunday's performance is anything to go by — when the Stars beat Sambandou United Professionals 2-0 — they may have the edge in securing a semi-final berth.