The annual Boy Nemakonde Soccer Tournament was officially launched during a ceremony at the Begwa Brickyard in Begwa village last Saturday.

Just like in the previous years, eight teams will take part in this year’s tournament. They are Lukalo Hotspurs, Begwa United Brothers, Tshaulu Hungry Lions, New Discovery, Nduvheni FC, Buluni Happy Boys, Munangwe United Brothers and Mushiru Young Tigers.

The toss for the quarterfinal fixtures was conducted during the official launch.  All matches will be played at the Tshifudi Stadium. The quarterfinal matches will be played next Saturday, 2 June. The quarterfinal fixtures are: Lukalo Hotspurs vs Begwa United Brothers, Tshaulu Hungry Lions vs New Discovery, Nduvheni FC vs Buluni Happy Boys and Munangwe United Brothers vs Mushiru Young Tigers.

The toss for the semifinal matches will be conducted at the stadium shortly after the last quarterfinal game. The semifinal matches will be played on Saturday, 9 June while the final is scheduled for Saturday,  23 June.

According to one of the organizers of the tournament, Mr Eric Murudi, this year’s champions will take home R13 000, 11 pairs of soccer boots, six soccer balls, soccer kit and a floating trophy. Eighteen players of the winning side will each receive R500, while the team’s coach will receive a R1 000 award.

The runners-up will take home R1 500, 11 pairs of soccer boots, soccer kit and six soccer balls. The third-placed side is due to receive R1 500 and six soccer balls while the team that will finish in the fourth place will receive with six soccer balls.

The teams booted out in the quarterfinal stage will each receive a consolation prize of two soccer balls.

Individual awards will be presented to the player of the tournament (R1 500), best goalkeeper (R1 500) and top goal scorer (R1 000).

A local resident, Mr Boy Nemakonde, is the sole sponsor of the tournament.