The opening matches of the Mafhungwana Soccer Tournament will be played at two different venues this weekend. The tournament was launched during a ceremony at the Mafhungwana Meat Wholesalers premises in Mukula on Monday morning. During the ceremony, a representative from the sponsors, Mr Mmbengeni Takalani, revealed that his company, Mafhungwana Meat Wholesalers, will sponsor the tournament to the tune of R50,000.
He appealed to the players and officials from the clubs to demonstrate good conduct throughout the tournament to avoid incidents that have the potential to bring the sponsors into disrepute. He further said that the tournament would be an annual event and that the sponsorship amount would increase with time, depending on the financial position of the company.
A total of 34 teams from around Vhembe will participate in the tournament. Four matches will be played at the Mukula Young Santos Grounds on Saturday. The fixtures are Saudi FC vs Makhuvha Up The Ants, Phandulaluvalo FC vs Napoli FC, Nweli Stone Breakers vs Madridtas FC and Thohoyandou Manchester United vs Tshimuthe FC.
The two matches that will be played at the Mukula Avalon Grounds on the same day are Matangari Settlers vs Shakandza Ocean Swallows and Mighty Superpower vs Gumbu FC. Matches that will be played at the Mukula Young Santos Grounds on Sunday are Tshivhilwi Young Bombers vs Vhufuli Dangerous Scorpions, Buluni Happy Boys vs Mutshikilini Citizens, Mukula Young Santos vs Mukula Young Brothers and Mukula Avalon vs Mukula Jamaican Stars.