This year's edition of the Vhanasi Soccer Tournament is the biggest in terms of the sponsorship amount. The tournament was officially launched during a ceremony at the Divine Oasis Christian Centre Church building last Friday morning.
As usual, 16 teams from around Vhembe will take part in the tournament. All the teams are affiliated with the Safa Vhembe Regional League.
The sponsor, Mr Mmbi Munasi, said that this year's champions would take home a whopping R50,000, a floating trophy, two sets of soccer kits, gold medals, and a soccer ball. The runners-up will be presented with R30,000, two sets of soccer kits, silver medals, a small trophy, and a soccer ball. Prize money and prizes for the teams ending in the top four, as well as for the player of the tournament, top goal scorer, youngest player, best midfielder, best defender, and the best coach are up for grabs.
According to Mr. Munasi, the tournament will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. He said that the tournament had been founded in 2013. Four teams took part in the first year. The number of participating teams had increased to eight the following year and had again increased to 16 a year later.
The toss for the opening-round matches was conducted during the ceremony. All matches will be played at the Sambandou United Professionals Grounds, starting from Wednesday, 27 December. The final will be played on Sunday, 31 December.