Sparks are expected to fly when four soccer teams meet at the Coach Dolezar U/16 Soccer Tournament that is to be played at the Madodonga Sports Grounds in Vondwe village on Saturday, 17 June. The four participating teams are Vondwe Young Brothers, Mukula Development Young Juniors, Tshififi Mighty FC and Vondwe Juventus FC.
According to one of the tournament's organisers, Mr Thulami "Dolezar" Malusele, they have invited the best local U/16 teams to participate. Members of the community who are doing extremely well in football and education in the area will also receive awards at the tournament.
The South African Football Association in the Vhembe District, the Department of Education, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Vhembe District's Disability Forum were also invited to the tournament. "We will further honour late football stars who participated greatly in the development of the game during their time, and educators who are doing a great job by offering extra classes at local schools," Malusele said.
The educators that will be honoured at the tournament are Mr Vusani Neguyuni, Ms Mpedziseni Mphephu, Ms Mme Malima, and Mr Chester Tshivhandekano.
Malusele said their main aim as development coaches was to give young players a platform to showcase their skills in front of local and national soccer scouts. "Since I started this annual tournament, more than 20 players have been signed by teams that are playing in top leagues. I also want to prove that even people living with albinism, like me, can contribute to the development of the country. Don't undermine us because we are disabled," he said.