Mashamba Grounds will be the centre of attention this weekend as the Mabena Top-16 Soccer Challenge will take place there.
In the first match on Saturday, which starts at 08:00, Mukondeni Shooting Stars will come up against Magau United. At 10:00, Masakona Young Tigers will play against Mashamba Benfica United and at 12:00 Bokisi Scientist are up against Mashamba United Brothers. Muwaweni Lucky Stars and Sambandou United Professionals (Supro) will clash at 14:00.
The fixtures for Sunday's matches are: Madadzhi Eversmiling vs Madridtas FC (08:00), Malumash FC vs Dipeni FC (10:00), Tshivhuyuni Two 4 Joy vs Mashamba Soccer Academy (12:00), and Mukondeni Young Chiefs vs Makhitha Oscar Stars (14:00).
The winners of the competition will receive R30 000, two soccer kits, a floating trophy and gold medals. The runners-up will go home with R20 000, two soccer kits and silver medals. The third-prize winner will get R10 000, a soccer kit and bronze medals. The fourth-placed team will get R5 000 and a soccer kit.
The coach of Magau United, Mr Bishop Musiamo, said that they expected some tough matches. "The competition is tight, and the standards are extremely high. There are scouts from the clubs there, which adds more pressure on our players," he said.
Mr Khathutshelo "Mushavhi" Makhomisani, chairman of Masakona Young Tigers, said their aim was to win the final. "We promised the fans and all the residents that we want to bring home some silverware."
Mr Ndivhuwo "DJ" Nthai, manager of Madridtas, expressed his joy with the team's performance. He added that their preparations were well under way "and my boys are looking forward to this challenge," he added. "These young players have the energy and the hunger for success," he said.
Mr Thusani Luvhengo, manager of Makhitha Oscar Stars, told Limpopo Mirror that they had learnt from their previous errors and would have a different approach in the matches. "The boys have to master the art of concentration and focus. I have therefore prepared them mentally not to make simple mistakes."
Mr Maxwell Munzhelele, technical director of Supro, said the team had received tremendous support from the team officials and community. "Just getting to the top 16 has made a difference to the boys in terms of confidence and motivation," he added. He said they were happy with the way the team members were gelling. "The boys are doing their best, and I'm impressed with their performance."