This weekend marks the beginning of the Lumveleni Restaurant Soccer Tournament. The tournament was launched at Lumveleni Restaurant in Ngudza village, located just outside Thohoyandou, two weeks ago. Sixteen teams from across the Vhembe District will participate in the tournament, and all matches will be played at the Ngudza Grounds.
On Saturday, four matches are scheduled, with another batch of four matches set for the following day. Saturday's programme will kick off with a match between SDA FC and Vondwe XI Academy. The second match, scheduled to start at 11:30, will see Ngudza United Brothers take on Mukula Young Santos. Shortly after midday, Makhuvha Up The Ants will face Mukumbani Shooting Stars, followed by Ngwenani Young Chiefs taking on Vondwe XI Bullets in what is expected to be the final before the actual final. Young Chiefs and Bullets have competed in the finals of several tournaments in recent weeks. Vondwe XI Bullets were defeated 1-4 by Musasenda Big Five in the final of the Vision Soccer Tournament at Khubvi Benjie's Grounds two weeks ago, while Ngwenani Young Chiefs had lost 6-7 to Berea FC in the final of the Zwonaka and Lutande Eating House Soccer Tournament at Tshivhilwi Grounds last month.
Sunday's fixtures are as follows: Makwarani Frelimo Boys vs Vhufuli Dangerous Scorpions, Ngudza Young Vultures vs Tshitasini FC, Madridtas FC vs Mavhola New Castle, and Tshimuthe FC vs Vondwe United Brothers.
According to the tournament organiser, Mr. Teddy Ritshuri, the champions will receive a prize of R15,000. A cash prize of R7,500 awaits the team that finishes in second place. Teams eliminated in the semi-final round will each receive R1,500. The semi-final and final matches will be held at the same venue on Sunday, 1 October.