Sixteen teams to compete in MJN Foundation Challenge

Sixteen teams will compete from 23 to 30 December, contending for R70,000 in prize money in the sixth annual MJN Foundation Soccer Challenge.

The matches are scheduled for 23 to 25 December, with the final set for 30 December. The clashes will take place at the Ramahantsha and Tshikwarani grounds. The competition's winner will receive R15,000, a floating trophy, a new soccer kit, and gold medals. The runners-up will be awarded R10,000, a soccer kit, and silver medals. The team securing third position will receive R5,000, while the fourth-placed team will get R4,000.

Mr Thendo Mavhandu, the secretary of MJN Foundation, expressed pride in "growing young people of real quality" and expressed confidence that the tournament would produce stars who would soon receive national recognition. He emphasised the tournament's role in identifying future stars at grassroots level.

Mr Bishop Musiamo, the coach of Madombidzha Try Again, emphasised the importance of concentration and focus for his team. He stated that he had mentally prepared the players to avoid making simple mistakes.

Mr Enos Phaswana, the manager of Ravele Black Dragons, expressed satisfaction with his team's form and believed they were well-prepared for the tournament, with the players eagerly anticipating the challenge.

Fixtures for 23 December at Ramantsha Sinthumule High School grounds include:
- Legendary FC vs Muduluni Rising Stars (10:00)
- CS Trio Stars vs Town FC (12:00)
- Tornado FC vs Ravele Black Dragons (12:00)
- Ramantsha Blackpool vs Madrid FC (14:00)

On 24 December at Tshikwarani Rainbow grounds, the following teams will play:
- Zamenkomste Liverpool vs Tshikhwani Stone Breakers (10:00)
- Tshikwarani United vs Maebane Soccer Academy (12:00)
- Tshiozwi Dynamos vs Madombidzha Try Again (14:00)
- Maisa Rainbow vs Pat All Stars (16:00)

The winners will advance to the quarter-final on 25 December, with the semi-finals and final scheduled for 30 December at the Ramantsha Sinthumule Grounds.

Date:15 December 2023

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

Read: 1635