The quarter-finals, semi-finals and final of the seventh annual Mabena Soccer Challenge will be played on Saturday and Sunday at Mashamba.
In the first of the quarter-final matches to be played on Saturday, Makhitha Oscar Stars come up against Sambandou United Professionals (Supro). The match starts at 08:00. At 10:00, Mashamba Soccer Academy will play against Bokisi Scientists, and at 12:00, Dipeni FC will test their strength against Masakona Young Tigers. Madridtas FC and Magau United will meet at 14:00.
The semi-final clashes and the final will take place on Sunday, with the first match starting at 09:00. Before the final, a match between Thovhele Nthumeni Masia XI and Thovhele Nndweleni Mashamba XI, which starts at 12:00, will take place. The next match will be a ladies soccer match, where Mashamba Ladies will play against Mashamba Soccer Academy Ladies FC (starting at 13:30).
Ms Mercy Rambau, the organiser, expressed her appreciation towards the sponsor. "Despite the difficult economic conditions, we still find companies that are prepared to share their takings and support sport," she added.
The winners of the competition will receive R30 000, two soccer kits, a floating trophy and gold medals. The runners-up will go home with R20 000, two soccer kits and silver medals. The third-prize winner will get R10 000, a soccer kit and bronze medals. The fourth-placed team will get R5 000 and a soccer kit.
The tournament is sponsored by Singo Mining. The director of Singo Mining, Mr Robert Nesengani, said that for future stars to be identified at grassroots level was important. He pointed out that sport is the most effective way to draw the youth away from gangsterism, drugs and alcohol abuse.