The South African Breweries Limited (SAB) U21 regional league provincial play-offs in Limpopo kick off this weekend at the Seshego Stadium near Polokwane.

According to a press statement by Felicia Ntisa of M-Sports Marketing, on behalf of the SAB, the play-offs on Saturday (21/5) and Sunday are expected to be action packed as they are the final decider of the Limpopo regional winners for promotion into the Second Division next season.

South African Football Association (SAFA) regions participating in the Limpopo play-offs are: Vhembe, Waterberg, Sekhukhune, Capricorn and Mopani. The provincial play-offs serve as a build-up to the SAB U21 regional league national championships, scheduled for 20 to 25 June in Johannesburg.

Supporting the SAB U21 regional league provincial play-offs in Limpopo is legendary football personality Shoes Moshoeu, who will be conducting coaching clinics and interacting with participants, as well as Sylvester ‘El Professori’ Ndaba. Ndaba is a qualified SAFA technical Instructor and is employed by SAB as a national corporate social investment specialist. He will offer his expertise to match officials during the clinics.

The development and coaching clinics offer an opportunity for SAB to assist with the improvement of skills among coaches, players and match officials. “SAB believes that while we are providing all involved with a platform to better their lives, we also need to ensure that they are equipped with the necessary tools and skills for a sustainable future in the game and for the development of South African football,” says Hepsy Mkhungo, SAB’s head of corporate social investment.

Spectators stand to win fantastic prizes during the play-off games and will be entertained by local acts. SAB’s involvement in the third division stems from a vision the organization and SAFA had to advance the development of football among the youth in South Africa. For more than a decade, the SAB U21 Regional League has been nurturing talent at grassroots level and providing opportunities for players to participate in the national squad, Premier Soccer League (PSL), National First Division teams and academies. It also provides national and international talent scouts with access to players.

SAFA’s acting CEO, Pinky Lehoko, says the SAB league plays a vital role in preparing players for professional football. “We pride ourselves on the SAB league. It is the biggest league that is played in all the 52 regions of SAFA, and I have no doubt in my mind that supporters will be treated to the best football this coming weekend during the Limpopo provincial play-offs.

The SAB U21 Regional League has produced world-class players such as the late Gift Leremi (Orlando Pirates and Sundowns), Reneilwe Letsholonyane (Kaizer Chiefs), Lucas Thwala (Orlando Pirates) and Innocent Mdledle (Mamelodi Sundowns), to name but a few.