A large number of local soccer lovers will converge at the Makwarela Stadium tomorrow for the much-awaited SAB teams Nedbank Cup provincial tournament.
The overall winners from the five regional associations in the province will battle it out for the provincial championship. The Vhembe Regional Associations will be represented by Tshakhuma Na Ndilani FC (TNN). They beat United Artists 2-1 in the regional final at the Tshifulanani Stadium two weeks ago, to secure a place in the provincial final.
The teams that will represent the other regions in the tournament are: Emmanuel Iron Breakers from Mopani, Tau Tau FC (Capricorn) and Jane Furse Highlanders from the Sekhukhune District. The Waterberg District was still to announce their overall winner at the time of our going to press.
When asked about their level of readiness for the tournament, the coach of TNN, Mr Mashudu "Coolio" Ndou, said that they were ready to face any opposition. According to him, all his charges are razor sharp.
Ndou revealed that his team did not stop training after beating United Artists to secure a place in the provincial tournament. He indicated that the fact that they will be hosting the tournament will be a plus to them as they will be playing in front of their home crowd. He added that stars such as Godfrey Ndou, Oscar Ntshauba, Rolivhuwa Mukwevho and Rofhiwa "Danger" Netshiungani were some of their secret weapons.
The overall winner in tomorrow's tournament will meet the overall winners of the ABC Motsepe League to determine the team that will represent the province in the national top-32 stage. Sixteen Absa Premiership teams, eight from the National First Division and eight from the amateur level, will battle it out in the last-32 stage.
Mukula Young Santos represented the Vhembe Region in the provincial championship stage, where they failed to make the grade.