Teams that are affiliated to the Vhembe Stream of the SAB League have received a financial boost from a fuel-manufacturing company, Total South Africa. The sponsorship was officially launched during a ceremony that was held at Khoroni Hotel in Thohoyandou last Friday evening.

During the ceremony, a representative from the company, Mr Modise Ramahala, revealed that his company is committed to developing football from the grassroots level. According to him, that is contrary to the policies of many companies who are only interested in sponsoring teams that are campaigning in the Premier Soccer League.

During the ceremony, Ramahala handed over a cheque to the value of R50 000 to the president of the Vhembe Regional Football Association, Mr Kirsten Nematandani. Ramahala further revealed that his company has signed a three-year contract with the association.

In response Nematandani, indicated that the sponsorship will assist them in their campaign to unearth the hidden talents in the region.

The acting executive mayor for the Vhembe District Municipality, Mr Patrick Sikhutshi, praised the company for sponsoring the association, saying sport brings people together, irrespective of their religious, cultural and political backgrounds. During the ceremony, it was announced that the winners of the competition will take home a cash prize of R21, 750, a floating trophy and gold medals.

To make it more of a winner-takes-all kind of competition, the remaining 15 teams will each receive a consolation prize of R1 250, irrespective of their positions. Teams that will reach the final stage of the competition will also receive soccer kits.