Hundred-and-thirty-two teams affiliated to the Thulamela Local Football Association (Thulfa) will be engaged in PIB, MTG and Black Leopards Soccer Tournament matches over the next 10 weeks.

The first matches will be played on Saturday March 30.

The competition was officially launched during a ceremony at the 2 Ten Hotel in Sibasa last Thursday afternoon. During the ceremony, a representative from one of the sponsors, Mr Shudufhadza Magwabeni (PIB and MTG), revealed that this year’s sponsorship has been increased from R50 000 to R100 000.

Mr Tshifhiwa Thidiela from Black Leopards said that he was impressed with the developments at the Thohoyandou Stadium and that indications were that the team would soon return to their slaughter house and play in front of their loyal supporters.

The winners of the competition will take home a cheque of R12 000, gold medals, soccer kit and a floating trophy, while the second-placed team will be presented with a cash prize of R5 000, silver medals and soccer kit. The third- and fourth-placed teams will become R3 000 and R2 000 richer respectively, and they will also receive soccer kits. The teams booted out of the competition in the quarterfinal stage will each receive a consolation prize of R1 000.

Several individual awards, including player of the tournament, top goal scorer, goalkeeper of the tournament and the man of the match, will be presented to players. The team of the tournament will also be presented with a cash prize of R1 000.

During the ceremony, the president of Safa Vhembe, Mr George Kubayi, expressed his appreciation towards the sponsors, saying the fact that they had decided to increase the sponsorship was a clear indication that they had confidence in the management of the Thulfa.

The draw for the opening matches of the competition was held at the Thohoyandou Indoor Sports Centre last Saturday.