Teams affiliated to the Thulamela Local Football Association (Thulfa) are gearing up for the Mpho Mathoho Electrical KO Competition. The opening matches will be played at various venues on Sunday afternoon.
According to the chairman of the league, Mr Ephraim Singo, 108 teams will partake in the championship. According to Singo, the champions will walk away with a cash prize of R15 000, a floating trophy, gold medals and a soccer kit. The runners-up will receive R10 000, silver medals and a soccer kit. The team that will finish in the third place will take home a cash prize of R7 000 and bronze medals, while a cash prize amounting to R5 000 and a soccer kit are awaiting the team that will finish in the fourth spot. Teams that will be booted out of the competition in the quarterfinal stage will each receive a consolation prize of R1 000 and a soccer ball.
Mr Singo said that teams that were recently promoted to the SAB League would not take part in this prestigious competition. They are: Makonde Home Defenders, Matsika Shooting Stars, Tshaulu Hungry Lions, Mukumbani Shooting Stars, Tshithuthuni Remember My Promise, Lwamondo Mighty Brothers, Madzivhanani FC, Matovha Devoted Vultures, Mukula Fast XI, Ravies FC and MD United Stars. MD United Stars were the last side to gain promotion to the SAB League. They beat Mapuloni Highlanders 3-0 in their promotional play-off match at the Tshandama Grounds last Sunday.
According to the rules and regulations for the competition, all matches will be played at neutral venues. All games will be played for 90 minutes, and no extra time will be added at the end of the regulation time. The teams will proceed straight to penalty kicks in case the teams play to a draw at the end of regulation time.