Soccer tourney to honour first female referee in Ehlanzeni
Vivian Nzima, who was the daughter of well renowned photographer, Sam Nzima, will her memory honoured with a soccer tournament.
The annual sporting Vivian Ntombifuthi Nzima Memorial Tournament will get underway this coming Friday at Flying Stars Soccer Field Sports Ground in Lilydale.
According to Amukelani Gazide, tournament coordinator, who is also the son of the late Vivian Ntombifuthi Nzima, the aim of the tournament was to recognize the role her mother played, especially in sport.
Nzima, who was the first female referee to officiate in the then Mpumalanga Vodacom League, now known as ABC Motsepe League, passed-away in 2014. At the time of her death she was a match commissioner.
“As a way of honoring her role she played in the society, especially in sport, we decided to incept the tournament and name it after her. We started the tournament last year and this year will be its second edition,” said Gazide.
Vivian was the child of the world renowned photographer, Sam Nzima, who captured the photo of Hector Petersen during the 1976 uprising in Soweto.
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Gazide said this year’s tournament will involve 30-teams. “All the four semifinalists will receive R1 000 in cash prize money. The two teams to reach the final will receive branded playing kits. The champions will further receive a floating trophy and gold medals while the runners up will receive silver medals,” he said.
Nghunghunyane FC from Kildare are the defending champions after winning the inaugural event by beating XI Experience 2-1 in the finals that was held at Xhimungwe Soccer Field last May.
Nghunghunyane will begin their task to defend their tittle when they take on Liver Brothers at Ximungwe Soccer Field on Saturday. Kick-off will be at 11:00. Last year final losers, XI Experience will take on Home Trojans at 15:00 on the same day and venue.
Gazide said this year’s final will be played on May 7, which could have been Vivian’s birthday, at Xhimungwe Soccer Field.
Here are the fixtures:
Friday, April 14 at Flying Stars Soccer Field in Lillydale Field:
· Hot Spurs v Mighty Birds (08:00)
· Amajenje v Highlanders (10:30)
· Tinyoxi v Hutington United (12:30)
· Stone Breakers v Heroes Stars (14:30)
· Somerset United v Black Bombers (16:00)
Saturday, April 15 at Ximungwe Soccer Field
· Home Sweepers v Kildare United (09:00)
· Liver Brothers v Ngunghunyane FC (11:00)
· City Rangers v Young Stars (13:00)
· Home Trojans v Eleven Experience.
