The registration window for the Lumveleni Pre-season Soccer Tournament opened on Monday. Unlike last year, when 16 teams from around Vhembe took part, the number of participating teams is expected to double this year.
According to the organiser, Lloyd Mashapha, the opening matches will be played on Saturday, 19 July, with the final scheduled for Sunday, 10 August. All games will take place at the Ngudza Young Vultures Grounds.
Mashapha said there was no set closing date for registration, as the first-come, first-served rule would apply. He stressed that registration would close once they had received proof of payment from the final team. He also made clear that partial payment of the R800 registration fee would not be accepted.
Mashapha said any amateur team, regardless of the division in which it competed, was welcome to register. Only players registered with their respective teams for the 2024/25 soccer season will be eligible to participate.
This year's champions will walk away with R25,000 in cash, a floating trophy, gold medals and a full soccer kit. The runners-up will receive R15,000, silver medals and a kit. Teams eliminated in the semi-finals will each take home R5,000, while those knocked out in the quarter-finals will receive a consolation prize of R1,500.
Mashapha can be contacted on (072) 644 5028 or (073) 921 9949.