The annual Mabena Soccer Tournament's first matches kick off this weekend. The tournament was launched on Saturday at Mashau Elias Nefale Resort.
Tournament organiser Ms Mercy Rambau said more than R200,000 had been budgeted for this year's tournament. A total of 32 teams have registered to take part. This is the 11th year the tournament is being held, and Rambau said the prizes had improved considerably.
"The winning team goes home with a whopping R70,000, a floating trophy, two soccer kits and gold medals. The runners-up will receive R40,000 in cash, two soccer kits and silver medals, while the third- and fourth-placed teams receive R20,000 and R10,000 respectively, along with a soccer kit," she said.
"We will continue to empower local teams, so that we can build a healthy nation, while at the same time keeping the youth off the streets this soccer season. Soccer players should take this tournament very seriously because we have invited professional soccer teams to scout for players during the games," she added.
Saturday's fixtures at the Big Power Ground are as follows:
* SMSA FC vs Valdezia United at 08:00; Mukondeni Shooting Stars vs Saudi FC at 10:00; Mphadzha Try Again vs Muwaweni Lucky Stars at 12:00; Mashamba Soccer Academy vs Eagles United at 14:00
At the Post Office Grounds, matches are as follows:
* Mashamba Benfica vs Madridtas at 08:00; Tshikhwani Stone Breakers vs Bush River at 10:00; Bokisi Scientist vs Madombidzha Try Again at 12:00; Mashamba Soccer Academy vs Eagles United at 14:00.
Sunday's matches at the Big Power Ground are:
* Makhitha Oscar Stars vs Mahangala Young Stars at 08:00; ABC FC vs Magau United at 10:00; Berea FC vs Mpheni Academy at 12:00; Koki FC vs Chavani Shooting Stars at 14:00
At the Post Office Ground, matches are:
* Masakona Real Citizen vs Mashau Pull Together at 08:00; Vhembe Tron vs Supro at 10:00; Matsa All Stars vs Maelula United Brothers at 12:00; Rabali Pull Together vs Madadzhi Eversmiling at 14:00.