The 11th edition of the Vhanasi Soccer Tournament was officially launched last Saturday at the DOCC Church building in Sambandou, outside Thohoyandou. This year's edition is the largest yet, with 16 teams from across the Vhembe region competing for the top prize.
Tournament founder and organiser Mr Mmbi Munasi explained that the tournament began in 2014 with just four teams from Sambandou and surrounding areas. The champions of this year's tournament will receive R60,000, two sets of soccer kits, a floating trophy, two soccer balls, and gold medals. The runners-up will take home R30,000, silver medals, two soccer kits, and two soccer balls. The third-placed team will receive R15,000, a soccer kit, bronze medals, and a soccer ball. The fourth-placed team will receive R10,000 and a soccer kit.
Mr Ephraim Singo, Deputy President of Safa Vhembe, confirmed the association's sanctioning of the tournament. He urged all players, supporters, and officials to maintain good behaviour throughout the competition.
The draw for the opening matches was conducted during the launch ceremony. The tournament will commence on Friday, 27 December, at the Sambandou United Professionals Grounds, with the final scheduled for Tuesday, 31 December.