This weekend marks the start of the Taki Games. According to one of the organizers of the tournament, Mr Takalani Prince Rabali, 26 teams had registered for this year’s event.

The toss for the preliminary round was conducted at Hamasotsha Restaurant last Saturday. Ten matches will be played this weekend. The six teams who will not play in the preliminary round will join the winners of the weekend's matches and will participate in the last-16 stage of the event.

The preliminary-round fixtures are: Matanda Rockers vs Raliphaswa Rolling Stones, Sangoma Black Robbers vs Rabali Sokoutenda, Rabali Pull Together vs Milaboni Chop Them Down, Tshivhilidulu Hungry Lions vs Khakhu Young Chiefs, Tshiendeulu New Castle vs Mandala Olympic, Khalavha Napoli vs Mudunungu Try Again, Mauluma Black Mamba vs Matanda Seven Stars, Fundudzi United Brothers vs Mudimeli Bombers, Mamvuka FC vs Nzhelele United and Johannesburg Masters vs FJ Napoli.

The six teams that will join the tournament later are KSP FC, Luvhalani Sunshine Pirates, Muraida Youth Development, Tshituni Hot Stars, Mphephu Naughty Boys and Khakhu Fast XI.

According to Rabali, this year’s champions will go home with cash prize of R10 000, a floating trophy and gold medals. A cash prize of R6 000 and silver medals are awaiting the team that will finish in the second spot. The teams kicked out in the semifinal stage of the tournament, will each take home a cash prize of R2 500, while the losing teams in the quarterfinal stage will receive a consolation prize of R1 000 each.

The final will be played at the Rabali Stadium on Saturday, 2 January. The last eight teams in the tournament will each receive a soccer kit. Rabali Transport and Altech Company are the main sponsors of the annual event.

Johannesburg Masters, or Magaraba as they are commonly known, will be defending the title. More information about the tournament is available from Mr Freddy Phathela (076 181 2535).