Lots of sporting action expected at MJN challenge

LIMPOPO – The MJN Foundation Soccer Challenge was officially launched at Ravele on Sunday, December 12.

Two streams, comprising 16 teams and eight teams respectively, will compete against each other in the tournament. MJN Foundation’s secretary, Thendo Mavhandu, said that the Top 16 champions will walk away with R12 000, a floating trophy, soccer jerseys and gold medals.

The runners-up will receive R7 000, a soccer kit and silver medals.

The two teams ending third and fourth will win R4 000 and R3 000 respectively. Some prize money will also be given to the other top teams.

In the Top 8 stream the winners will receive R5 000, while the runners-up will get R3 000.

Mavhandu said that future stars’ talent needed to be identified at grass-roots level. He mentioned that Vhembe was a region rich in talent.

“We have, over the years, seen some talented South African soccer players being unearthed from this area”.

The tournament will start on Christmas day at four venues, namely at the Madombidzha, Ravele, Madabani and Manavhela grounds.

Lots of sporting action to be expected on the set days.

Fixtures at the Madombidzha Grounds:

The first matches on December 25 – Hamula FC vs Ramantsha FC at 11:30; Maelula United Brothers vs Makhitha Oscar Stars at 13:30 and Madombidzha Try Again vs Muduluni Young Chiefs at 15:30.

Fixtures at Ravele Grounds:

Mubva All Stars vs Madombidzha Try Again at 11:30; Magau United vs Legendary FC at 13:30; Madrid FC vs Tshikhwani Stone Breakers at 15:30.

Fixtures at Madabani Grounds:

Zamenkomste FC vs Muthuli FC at 11:30; Makhitha Iyarunga FC vs Pat Hearts FC at 13:30; Zoutpansberg Powerline vs Matanda Rockers at 15:30.

Fixtures at Manavhela Grounds:

Mabaleng FC vs Maebane Aces United at 11:30; Manavhela Masters vs Tornado FC at 13:30; Manavhela Black Aces vs Mauluma Eagles at 15:30.

The winners will play their second-round matches on December 27 and finals on December 30.