THOHOYANDOU - Tshakhuma Blue Birds are representing this province in the 2004 Nike Premier U/15 Cup tournament that is being staged by the Transkei region of the South African Football Association (Safa). The team left for Transkei on Tuesday afternoon.

The tournament started yesterday, Thursday. During an interview with the team's coach, Mr Mbavhalelo Mukwevho, he revealed that they were fully prepared for the tournament and that they were highly motivated by the fact that the winners will play in the world tournament at the Old Trafford Grounds in Manchester in July.

Blue Birds' way to the finals has been impressive. They beat Shayandima Real Dragons 6-3 in their opening match. Their second fixture was against Giyani Development FC, whom they beat 3-0. They were supposed to have played Seshego Academy Football Club in the Provincial finals at the Thohoyandou Stadium last Tuesday. The match was declared a walkover in favour of Blue Birds, after Seshego Academy arrived four hours later than the 13:00 scheduled kickoff time.

Mukwevho stated that they have a squad that has all the ingredients of winning the championship. Some of the players on whom they will pin their hopes include Mulalo Tshithavhane and Vhulondo Khaume (defenders), Khuliso Netshivhazwaulu and Lutendo Neluheni ((midfielders) and the strikers, Mbudzeni Netshitenzhe and Mushe Makhado.

The nine provincial teams that are taking part in the tournament are: Tshakhuma Blue Birds (Limpopo) Kaizer Chiefs (Gauteng), Ajax Cape Town (Western Cape), Barcelona (Mpumalanga), Potch Academy (North West), Bespool (Northern Cape), Black Tigers (Eastern Cape) and Juvenile FC from Free State.