The opening matches for the annual SAFA Vhembe Total Soccer Challenge was played throughout the region this weekend.

The competition was officially launched at the Porchevilla Hotel in Thohoyandou on Friday evening (14/10).

During the ceremony, a representative from Total, Mr Jonas Ramahala, revealed that his company was happy with the relationship between his company and the association. He assured the association that the company will continue to sponsor it in the coming years. He presented a cheque of R100 000 to the president of the association, Mr George Kubayi.

An independent financial planner, Mr Nyiko Nghatsane, was a guest speaker during the ceremony. When addressing a packed hall, Nghatsane said that the fact that Total South Africa was still prepared to sponsor the association in the coming years was a clear indication that the association had the ability to administer its finances.

He appealed to the players to remain disciplined both on and off the field of play. “Talent and skill without discipline will never take you anywhere,” he said.

The national president of SAFA, Mr Kirsten Nematandani, praised the sponsor for channeling a part of their profits towards the development of amateur football. The champions of the competition will receive a R30 000 soccer kit, gold medals and a floating trophy. The runners-up will take home R15 000. The third-placed team will become R10 000 richer, while R5 000 is awaiting the fourth-placed team.

Teams that will be booted out of the competition in the quarterfinal stage will each receive a consolation prize of R1000. The player of the tournament, goalkeeper of the tournament and the top goal scorer will each receive trophies.