The opening matches of the MTG Makonde Annual Tournament were played at the Makonde Home Defenders grounds over the past weekend.
Sixteen teams from Makonde and the surrounding areas are battling it out for the championship. The results of the last 16 matches are: Matangari Rising Stars 1, Khubvi Feedas All Stars 0; Makonde FC 1, Khubvi Peace Makers 0; Matangari High Aims 3, Mashishi Young Tigers 0; Mudaswali United Brothers 2, MT Green Mambas 0; Khubvi Dangerous Darkies 4, Mashishi Spurs 3 and Shadani Dangerous Scorpions 2 Makonde Youth Development 0.
According to the chairperson of the organizing committee, Mr Madambini Maswime, this year's champions will take home R4 500 and a soccer kit. The runners-up will become R2 550 richer and also receive a soccer. The third-placed side will receive R1 550. The team booted out of the tournament in the losers' final stage will receive R1 150, while the teams that will be booted out in the quarterfinal stage of the tournament will each take home R700, while the remaining teams will each receive a consolation prize of R100.
The final will be staged at the same venue on Tuesday, 26 December.