The lack of match officials is a matter of grave concern to the Thulamela Local Football Association.

This was revealed during the clubs’ general meeting that was held at the Thohoyandou Indoor Sports Centre on Saturday morning.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that if all the 146 teams that are affiliated to the association have to play on the same date, 18 matches will remain without match officials. It was indicated that the league is currently managing the situation by staging some of the matches on Saturday and others on Sunday.

Clubs were encouraged to send more youths to attend the refereeing courses. The relegation and promotion format was also discussed during the meeting. Teams that have reached the last 16 staged of the Sir Tshiluvhu KO Competition were presented with soccer kits during the meeting.

It was also announced that the last 16 matches for the competition will be played this weekend.

Three matches will be staged at the Khubvi grounds on Sunday. Muhuyu Copper Stars and Makhuvha Mighty FC will meet at 11:00 while Makwarela Young Boys and Iyarunga XI Smarties will play each other at 13:00.

The last match that will be seen at the Khubvi grounds will be between Sambandou United Professionals and The Dolphins. It will start at 15:00. Three matches will be seen at the Ngudza grounds. Real Magidi and Matondoni Sweepers will open the ground at 11:00.