The opening matches for the annual Mulindavhathu Soccer Challenge were played at the Khubvi Peace Makers grounds over the past weekend. The tournament was officially launched during a ceremony at the Tshikunde Community Crèche in Khubvi village last Wednesday evening.

Sixteen teams will take part in this year’s tournament. They are Khubvi Feedas All Stars, MT Green Mambas, Damani Powerlines, Khubvi African Stars, Sambandou United Professional, Makwarani Frelimo Boys, Khubvi Dangerous Darkies, Makonde Young Tigers, Khubvi Peace Makers, Mudaswali United Brothers, Musasenda Big Five, Vhutalu Mountain Rangers, Luvhimbi Wanderers, Tshilungwi FC, Mutale Vikings and Domboni FC.

The winners of the tournament will receive R2 000, a soccer kit, gold medals and a soccer ball. A cheque of R1500, silver medals, soccer kit and a soccer ball are awaiting the team that will finish in the second position. The third-placed team will go home with a soccer kit, bronze medals and a soccer ball.

The matches will be played at the Khubvi Benjies and Peace Makers grounds. During the ceremony, a local ward councillor, P Nematenda, encouraged local businesspeople to continue sponsoring the different sporting codes, saying sport was a unifying factor among the people.

A local traditional leader, Vhamusanda Vho- Mulindathavha Randima, stated that they would make sure that the tournament was staged annually, with the sponsorship growing from time to time. The semifinal matches will be played on Saturday, 15 August, while the final will be played the following day.