The 2024 edition of the Lumveleni Pre-season Soccer Tournament kicks off this weekend, following its official launch at Lumveleni Restaurant on Sunday, 6 July.
A total of 32 teams from across Vhembe will take part in the tournament, with all matches scheduled to take place at the Ngudza Vultures Grounds. Four fixtures will be played on Saturday and another four on Sunday.
Saturday's programme starts at 09:00, with Tshitanini FC facing Tshivhulani Fire Brothers, followed by a clash between Buluni Happy Boys and Rockers FC. Shayandima Dynamos meet Ndiitwani Shooting Stars just after midday, while ABC FC will take on Vondwe XI Bullets in the final fixture. ABC and XI Bullets are among the favourites to lift the trophy.
Sunday opens with a match between Kalahari FC and Manamani City, followed by Thohoyandou Bayern Munich versus Tshivhazwaulu Peace Makers. The third fixture pits Mighty Super Power against SDA Ya Limpopo FC.
The highlight of the day is expected to be the match between Vhembe Tron and Rabali Pull Together, who will renew their rivalry after Pull Together beat Tron 1-0 in the Safa Vhembe Regional League promotional playoff final at Thohoyandou Stadium two weeks ago. Tron also suffered a 2-1 defeat against Madridtas FC in last weekend's Kamurini Soccer Tournament final.
This year's champions will take home R25,000, a floating trophy, gold medals and a soccer kit. The runners-up will walk away with R15,000, silver medals and a kit. Losing semi-finalists will receive R5,000 each, while quarter-finalists will each get R1,500 in consolation.