The preliminary-round matches for the MTG and PIB Soccer Challenge will be staged at various places this weekend.

The competition was officially launched during a ceremony at the Thohoyandou Indoor Sports Centre on Tuesday evening. During the ceremony, the general manager of MTG Funeral Services, Mr Shundufhadza Magwabeni, stated that his company would continue to sponsor the Thulamela Local Football Association in the coming years.

He revealed that they were impressed by the manner in which the association managed its finances. He appealed to the players and fans to behave well at the matches, saying any form of misconduct at matches brought both the league and the sponsors’ names into disrepute. He stressed the fact that it was his company’s wish to see Thulamela Local Football Association teams producing players for the national teams.

He presented a cheque to the value of R146 000 to the chairman of the association, Mr Aifheli Tshisikule. Magwabeni further indicated that his company spent a large amount of money in the form of donations and sponsorships towards community development projects every year.

The champions of the competition will take home a cash prize of R20 000, a floating trophy, soccer kit and gold medals. The runners-up will take home R15 000 cash, a soccer kit and silver medals. A cheque to the value of R7 500, soccer kit and bronze medals are awaiting the team that will finish in the third spot. The fourth-placed team will be presented with R5 000 and a soccer kit.

The teams booted out of the competition in the quarterfinals will each receive a soccer kit. The best player of the tournament, top goal scorer, best goalkeeper and the player who will score the most beautiful goal will also receive prizes.

As has been the case the last two years, the final will be played on the 16th of June. The venue will be named at a later stage.