The annual Thovhele NTL Mashamba Top 32 Tournament was officially launched on Sunday, 5 July, at Mashamba FET College, with organisers announcing a prize pool of more than R300,000 for this year's competition.
Tournament organiser Mr Nathaniel Mushaku said 32 teams had registered for the seventh edition.
“The winning team will walk away with R90,000 in cash, a floating trophy, two soccer kits and gold medals. The runners-up will receive R35,000, two soccer kits and silver medals, while the third- and fourth-placed teams will receive R13,500 and R6,500 respectively, with each team also receiving a soccer kit,” said Mushaku.
He said the tournament aims to empower local football clubs while keeping young people actively involved in sport during the off-season.
“Players should take this tournament seriously because we have invited professional football clubs to scout for talented players during the matches,” he said.
Mushaku said the tournament will kick off on 18 July, with matches being played at two venues in Mashamba. The final will also be staged in Mashamba.
The teams confirmed for this year's tournament are: Tshikwani Stone Breakers, Eagles United FC, Mpheni Academy, Mukondeni Royal FC, Madombidzha Try Again, Samsa FC, Mashamba Soccer Academy, Vhembe Tron, Mashamba Benfica, Sekgosese FC, Matanda Rockers, Valdezia FC, Ndiitwani FC, Chavani Shining Stars, Goo Record Breakers, Makonde FC, Makhitha Oscar Stars, Xilumani FC, Mphazha Try Again, Chavani United, Sereni Home Boys, Ramantsha Blackpool, Madombidzha Arsenal, Mashau Pull Together, Tshitanda United FC, Maelula United Brothers, Mukondeni Shooting Stars, Matsa All Stars, ABC FC, Rabali Pull Together, Muwaweni Lucky Stars and Bushriver FC.