The 10th edition of the annual Mabena Soccer Challenge was launched in Mashamba village last Saturday. The tournament is set to kick off this Saturday, 21 September, with the final matches scheduled for Sunday, 29 September. All games will be played at the Mashamba soccer grounds.
The spokesperson for the tournament, Ms Mercy Rambau, said that 16 teams had registered. The champions will receive a trophy, R30,000, gold medals, and two soccer kits. The runners-up will get R20,000, silver medals, and two soccer kits, while the teams finishing third and fourth will receive R10,000 and R5,000, respectively, along with bronze medals and a soccer kit.
Dr Scara Tshigomana, deputy president of the Makhado Local Football Association, said the people of Vhembe were very grateful for a tournament of this magnitude. "We believe it came at the right moment as it will keep people occupied during this period of the year," he said.
The fixtures for Saturday, 21 September, are as follows: Magau United vs Annel Real Vikings at 09:00, Muwaweni Lucky Stars vs ABC FC at 11:00, Masakona Real Citizens vs Mashamba Benfica United at 13:00, and Madridtas FC vs Beria at 15:00. On Sunday, 22 September, the fixtures are: Supro FC vs Samsa FC at 09:00, Mukondeni Shooting Stars vs Mashamba Soccer Academy at 11:00, Mukondeni Young Chiefs vs Bokisi Scientists at 13:00, and Madadzhi Eversmiling vs Koki FC at 15:00.