Madombidzha Western Stars will be aiming to secure another title this Saturday when the semi-finals and final of the second edition of the Talelani Liguluvhe Soccer Tournament take place at the Ramantsha Grounds. First, however, they will need to overcome SMSA in what promises to be a challenging semi-final.
In Saturday's first semi-final, Univen FC will face Ramantsha Blackpool. The match kicks off at 09:00. Blackpool remain buoyant after beating Bokisi FC 1-0 on Monday to book their place in the final four. Univen had a tough battle against Thohoyandou Bayern, edging them out 6-5 in a penalty shootout.
At 11:00, attention will shift to the showdown between Western Stars and SMSA. Western Stars' path to the semi-finals went through SM United Brothers. That match ended in a draw, with Stars clinching the penalty shootout 5-4. SMSA also faced a stern test against Matanda Rockers and emerged victorious, also winning 5-4 on penalties.
Asked about his team's readiness for the final, Western Stars coach Mr Scara Masala vowed to repeat history by winning the tournament and advancing to the national finals. "We are proud of what we have achieved, and we want to keep the tradition going," he said.
He added that the squad had all the right elements to secure victory. "The players are highly motivated after playing well in recent matches. They know the other teams are in good form, and they have left no stone unturned in their preparations," he said.
Mr Desmond Murwamphia, manager of Blackpool, said his team was ready for whatever challenge the final might bring. He added that his players were "razor sharp" and that preparations were going well.
The final is scheduled to kick off at 15:00. Before the final, a PSL Legends team will take on Sinthumule Masters in an exhibition match.
The winners of the Talelani Liguluvhe tournament will receive R50,000, a floating trophy, gold medals and a new soccer kit. The runners-up will walk away with R20,000, silver medals and a new kit, while the losing semi-finalists will each receive R7,000.