The opening matches of the Nwali Soccer Tournament were played at the Khubvi Benjies Grounds over the past weekend. The tournament was officially launched during a ceremony which was held at the Khubvi Primary School Hall on Saturday, 13 May. Thirty-two teams from around Vhembe are taking part in the annual tournament.
Four matches will be played at the same venue on Saturday. Tshikundamela Waterfall and Vondwe XI Bullets will open the day's programme at 09:00. Vondwe XI are one of the favourites to lift the trophy. Rockers FC and Tshandama Try Together will test each other's strength starting at 11:00. Madzhanini FC and Tshanzhe Pre-Mighties will lock horns shortly after midday. The day's programme shall be wrapped up by the match between Makonde FC and Matangari High Aims.
The same number of matches will be played the following day. The opening match will be between Tshibvumo Football Academy and Mahangala Young Stars. The other three fixtures for Sunday are Audale FC vs Mukula Young Santos. Zwaloni FC vs Musasenda Big Five and Madandila Happy Boys vs Madridtas FC. Just like Vondwe XI Bullets and United Artists FC, Madridtas are also poised to win the tournament.
The champions will receive R10 000, a floating trophy, gold medals and a soccer ball. The runner-up will take home R7 000, a soccer ball and silver medals. Cash amounting to R4 000, a soccer ball and bronze medals are awaiting a team that will finish in the 3rd position while the 4th placed side shall be presented with R3 000. Teams that will be booted out of the tournament in the quarterfinal round shall each take home R1 000 while those that will kiss goodbye to the tournament in the first stage shall each receive a consolation prize of R500.