Fabulous prizes are awaiting the winning teams in the Total Safa Vhembe Soccer Challenge. The competition was officially launched during a ceremony at the Avkhom Hotel last Friday afternoon.

A representative from Total South Africa, Mr Jonas Ramahala, revealed that this year’s champions will walk home with a cash prize of R30 000, a floating trophy, gold medals and a soccer kit. The runners-up will be presented with a cash prize of R15 000, silver medals and a soccer kit. A cash prize of R10 000 and bronze medals will be handed over to the third-placed team, while the fourth-placed team will become R5000 richer. The teams that will be booted out of the competition in the quarterfinal stage will receive R2 000 each.

The player of the tournament, top goal scorer and the best goalkeeper of the tournament will each receive R1 000.

Ramahala indicated that his company will consider increasing the sponsorship in the coming years. He stated their relationship with Safa Vhembe dated back to 2009.

Rabali Pull Together were the first side to lift the trophy in 2009. Davhana Shooting Stars took the trophy to Davhana village the following year. Ngwenani Young Chiefs were the 2011 champions.

The semifinal matches will be played at the Makwarela Stadium tomorrow, and the final at the Univen Stadium on Sunday.