This year’s Zama Zama Soccer Challenge was officially launched during a ceremony at the Giyani Stadium last Sunday morning. Thirty-six teams from Giyani and the surrounding areas will partake in the tournament. The toss was also conducted during the launching ceremony.

It was announced that this year’s champions will take home R20 000, new soccer kit, a floating trophy and gold medals. The runners-up will become R10 000 richer and will also receive silver medals. The teams that will be booted in the semifinal stage will each take home R5 000, while the top goal scorer, player of the tournament, goalkeeper of the tournament, coach of the tournament and the best referee in the tournament will also be rewarded.

Eight teams will play each other in the preliminary round to determine the teams that will take part in the last-32 stage. The opening matches will be played on Wednesday, 16 December, while the final is scheduled for Thursday, 31 December, at the Homu 14 B grounds.

The fixtures for the opening matches are: KYD vs Nyangi Rollers, Jackson Young Stars vs Mboni Junior Chiefs, Wilson Express vs Moon Light, Giyani All Stars vs Zurich Super Eagles, Madungani FC vs Mapayeni Stone United, Giyani Super Stars vs Gawula Arsenal, Mvalani Real Mighty Boys vs Malamulele Masters, Limpopo Poison vs FC Barcelona, Homu Eleven Fighters vs Nzama Jackson, Olifantshoek FC vs Ngove Leeds, Thomo Dynamos vs Shivulani Dangerous Tigers, Nsavulani United vs Thomo All Stars, Dzekula Mighty Stars vs Skhunyani FC, Juluka FC vs Mapayeni Gladiators, Abel Giant Killers vs Mulamula United and Bucks Tsetse Flies vs Ngove Masipala.

A well-known professional football referee, Mr Tinyiko Victor Hlungwani, is the founder and sponsor of the annual tournament.