The 23^rd edition of the Zama-Zama Sports Challenge was officially launched during a ceremony held at the Xilumani Hotel in Giyani last Sunday morning. Thirty-four teams from Mopani and Vhembe Districts will take part in this year’s tournament. The toss for the opening-round fixtures was conducted during the ceremony.

Four teams, namely Giyani Happy Boys, Gawula Arsenal, Nkuri United, and Flying Young Stars, will participate in the elimination round to determine the remaining two teams that will advance to the last-32 round. Giyani Happy Boys will play against Gawula Arsenal in the preliminary round, while Nkuri United will take on Flying Young Stars. According to the amended rules of the tournament, teams will be allowed to make six substitutions in the game this year.

During the ceremony, a representative from one of the sponsors, Mr. Howard Mashava, expressed his happiness regarding the number of players that the tournament has produced over the past years. Some of the players who are products of the same tournament and are currently showcasing their skills in the professional ranks include Nhlanhla Makhubele, Gladwin Shitolo, and Justice Chavalala.

A representative from the Greater Giyani Municipality, Cllr Tiyani Nkuna, stated that the upgrading process of the Homu 14B Grounds was at an advanced stage. He mentioned that the tournament will be staged at the venue from 15 December, with the final scheduled for Sunday, 31 December.

This year’s champions will take home a whopping R60,000, a floating trophy, gold medals, and a soccer kit. The runners-up will receive R30,000, silver medals, and a soccer kit. Teams eliminated in the semi-final stage will each receive R10,000.

Ladies' soccer and netball teams from Giyani and the surrounding areas will also participate in the tournament.