Sixteen teams from Malavuwe and the surrounding villages are gearing up for the NR Makhadi Soccer Challenge. The tournament was launched during a ceremony held at the Marshall Night Resort in Malavuwe last Friday evening and is named after a local football legend, Mr Nditsheni Ronald Makhadi.
During the ceremony, the fact that Mr Makhadi has dedicated nearly five decades to football at various levels was highlighted. According to one of the tournament organisers, Mr Victor Marwala, this tournament will become an annual event. The opening matches will take place at the Gondeni Sterkstroom Grounds this weekend.
Four matches are scheduled for Saturday, with an equal number set for Sunday. The opening match on Saturday will feature Malavuwe Great Movers and Sterkstroom Real Chiefs, kicking off at 09:00. Following that, Makhuvha Flying Stars will face off against Zwaloni FC at 11:00, while Mukoma All Stars will meet Nweli Stone Breakers at 13:00. The final match of the day will see Muraga Hazard Hotspurs taking on Banyini Flying Swallows.
Sunday's fixtures include Mbahe Freedom Rebels vs Tshianzwane Real Citizens, Tshikambe FC vs Vhudimbilu Roadblock, Malamangwa Scorch Winters vs Tshamutilikwa Fire Boys, and Matsika Shooting Stars vs FC Basel.
The champions will receive R10,000, a floating trophy, a soccer kit, gold medals, and a soccer ball. The runners-up will take home R5,000, along with silver medals, a soccer kit, and a soccer ball. The third-placed team will be presented with R3,000, a soccer kit, bronze medals, and a soccer ball, while the fourth-placed side will receive R1,000, a soccer kit, and a soccer ball. Teams eliminated in the quarter-final round will each receive R500, and the remaining teams will each receive a consolation prize of a soccer ball.