The semi-finals of the Matsila Soccer Tournament will take place at Majosi on Saturday, with the final scheduled for Monday, 16 June.
The final will be graced by Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, ANC deputy secretary Nomvula Mokonyane, Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba, Sports, Arts and Culture MEC Jerry Maseko and many other guests.
The tournament started on 24 May, with 16 teams competing. 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 manager of Vhangani FC, Ndivhoniswani Nyathela, said that his troops usually played well in knockout competitions. "I've told my boys that we can perform well and become champions if we just focus and give our best. We are ready for the final battle. By winning the soccer challenge, we will not only make ourselves proud, but the community and management as well," he said.
Jan Hlangwani, chairperson of Master KG, expressed his joy with the team's performance. He added that their preparations were well underway "and my boys are looking forward to this challenge. The boys must master the art of concentration and focus. I have therefore prepared them mentally not to make simple mistakes," he said.
Richardt Vhangani of Mudziafera Blue Eagles said that his players were ready for any team. According to him, his team will be the new champions.
According to the manager of Bayen Masukume, Kennedy Musia, everything was going well with their preparations and they continued to train as usual after their last quarter-final match.
In the first match on Saturday, Bayen Masukume will play against Vhangani FC at 13:00. The second match will be between Mudziafera Blue Eagles and Master KG at 15:00. The third-place playoff will be played on Monday, 16 June at 11:30, followed by the final at 13:30.