Teams which are affiliated to the Thumamela Local Football Association (Thulfa) have received financial back-up. This follows the decision by the managing director of the Malamulele-based communication company, MPS Communications, Mr Malvin Shitlelani, to sponsor the association.

The sponsorship was officially launched during a ceremony that was held at the Tshifulanani Stadium on Sunday. During the ceremony, Shitlelani handed over a cheque to the executive member of the association, Mr Aubrey Mabasa.

In an interview with Mirror, Shitlelani indicated that the sponsorship was a token of his appreciation for the unwavering support which his company is receiving from the local communities.

He said his company was established in 1989.

He indicated that the company has been growing with time, saying they had a total of 36 full-time employees. He further said that although he did not play football up to professional level, it was his childhood dream to see his own company sponsoring a football development project.

During the ceremony, it was announced that 132 teams which are affiliated to the association will take part in the competition. The competition will be known as the MPS Knock-out competition. The toss for the first round matches was made in the league offices on Tuesday afternoon.

During the ceremony, it was again announced that the champions for the competition will become R10 000 richer apart from the gold medals and floating trophy which they will be presented with. Teams that will reach the final stage of the competition will receive soccer kits.