The opening matches of the ABC Foundation Soccer Tournament will be played at the Khubvi Benjie’s Grounds on Sunday. The tournament was officially launched during a ceremony at Derams Restaurant in Tshivhulani, just outside Thohoyandou, last Saturday afternoon.

This year’s tournament will be the largest ever in terms of participating teams and the sponsorship amount. In his keynote address, the chairman of the ABC Foundation, Mr Lucas Tshibalo, announced that the champions will be awarded R50,000, a soccer kit, a floating trophy, and gold medals. The runners-up will receive R15,000, a soccer kit, and silver medals, while the team that finishes in third place will take home R10,000 and bronze medals.

Additionally, awards will be given to the top goal scorer, player of the tournament, youngest player, best goalkeeper, best referee, and best coach.

Mr Tshibalo also appealed to other businesspeople to reinvest a portion of their income into the communities where their businesses operate. The president of the Safa Vhembe Regional Association, Mr Jabulani Ndove, highlighted that his association has, over the years, produced numerous players and referees who are now active at the professional level.

The mayor of Thulamela Local Municipality, Sarah Rambuda, affirmed her municipality’s commitment to maintaining existing sports infrastructure and building more stadiums.

The draw for the opening matches was conducted during the ceremony. The fixtures for the four matches that will be played on Sunday are: Musasenda Big Five vs. Rambuda Young Fighters, Mashasha Hungry Lions vs. Rockers FC, Makonde FC vs. Mukula Young Santos, and Benny’s Care Sports Academy vs. Tshimuthe FC.