An attractive R35,000 in prize money is up for grabs for the winners of this year's Matsila Soccer Challenge, which was officially launched on Saturday.
The prestigious tournament, which caters for 16 teams from across the Vhembe region, is set to kick off on 24 May. The final will be played on 16 June.
The winning team will walk away with R35,000, a new soccer kit, a floating trophy, gold medals, 15 pairs of soccer boots and a soccer ball. The runners-up will receive R25,000, a soccer kit, silver medals, 15 pairs of boots and a soccer ball. The third-placed side will take home R15,000, a kit, 15 pairs of boots and a ball, while the team finishing fourth will get R10,000, a kit and a ball. Teams finishing in positions five to eight will each receive R5,000.
The sponsor, Vhamusanda Vho-Livhuwani Matsila, said the Vhembe region was rich in football talent. "We have, over the years, seen some talented South African soccer players being unearthed from this area," he said.
Tournament organiser Mr Agreement Maluleke praised Matsila, describing him as "a selfless and caring father".
The 16 participating teams are: Bayen Masukume, Rams Football Academy, Master KG, Mbeli FC, Mashaka FC, Vhangani Development, Goloza Academy, Ndengeza Chief Defenders, Erasmus Sporting FC, PK Nassry FC, Jackson FC, Hanani Happy Fighters, Mudziafera Blue Eagles, Makkanka Rekaofela, TK FC and Doli Anchors.