The opening matches of the Nwali Soccer Tournament will be played at the Khubvi Benjie's Grounds this weekend. The tournament was officially launched during a ceremony at Khubvi Primary School last Saturday.
Thirty-two teams from across Vhembe will participate in this year's edition of the tournament. Four matches are scheduled for Saturday, with the same number set for Sunday.
Saturday's programme will kick off with the match between Makonde Home Defenders and Buluni Happy Boys at 09:00. SMSA FC and Matangari Rising Stars will follow at 11:00. Rams Academy will then take on Rabali Pull Together, while the final match of the day will see Tshimuthe FC face Thengwe Flying Peace.
On Sunday, Sambandou United Professionals will meet Eagles United in the opening fixture, followed by Thohoyandou Bayern Munich against TGM FC. Manamani City and Mulodi Freedom Birds will play shortly after midday, with Thohoyandou Manchester Flying Stars and Ngwenani Young Chiefs wrapping up the day's programme.
The winner of the match between Ngwenani Young Chiefs and Thohoyandou Manchester Flying Stars is widely tipped to go on and lift the trophy. Young Chiefs were crowned champions of the Lumveleni Easter Tournament at the Ngudza Grounds about two months ago.
This year's Nwali champions will receive a R25,000 cash prize, gold medals, a soccer kit, and a floating trophy. The runners-up will take home R10,000, a soccer kit, and silver medals. The two semi-final losers will each receive R5,000 and a soccer ball. Teams eliminated in the quarterfinals will each receive R1,500 and a soccer ball.
The final will be played at the Mukula Tshidzanitshamaria Grounds on Saturday, 9 August.