HIGH OCTANE PRE-SEASSON SOCCER TOURNAMENT IS BACK

Mamello Motaung

 

Top-class football coupled with award winning entertainment will be on display this Saturday, thanks to the Bokone Bophirima Maize Cup.

 

This third installment soccer tournament popularly known for showing off newly cut talent ,newly signed players and great quality foodball is billed for James Motlatsi Stadium in Orkney.

 

During the launch it was also revealed that VBS Mutual Bank, the City of Matlosana as well as the grain producers in the Bokone Bophirima,Free State and Mpumalanga provinces are the stakeholders, who have helped to make this tournament a reality.

 

At the launch, four teams were unveiled to participate in this annual tournament.

Platinum Stars, who as hosts are seeded will be pitted against either Botswana’s League Champions, Township Rollers or PSL Free State Stars. Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs FC will also be seeded and could also draw either of the two clubs.

 

Spokesperson of the North West Provincial Government , Freddy Sepeng said “Through this Maize Cup, the Provincial Government seeks to provide an opportunity to all soccer loving citizens from the Province and beyond,to enjoy a thrilling day of entertaining soccer and that contributes to efforts to re-brand ,re-positions and renew the Province”.

 

Organizers of the tournament also revealed that, the match will provide football-starved fans with top quality pre-season action and an opportunity to see off the new recruits ahead of the 2016/2017 league campaign.

 

“All four teams will be looking for good performances as they continue to prepare for the new season,” They said.

 

Did you know ?

• Tickets are available through Computicket and Shoprite Checkers at R40 for adults and R10 for children under 12 Years.

 

• The province will be giving away free beanies to the first 2000 fans coming into the stadium.

 

• The first semi-Final will be played at 10h00, second semi-final at 12h00 and the final at 16h00.

 

 

• The previous edition of the Maize Cup exposed great quality football and were the precursors to the start of the footballing season. The inaugural edition in 2015, featuring 4 clubs ,was won by Platinum Stars. The following year saw Orlando Pirates fight off against the host, Platinum Stars to lift the trophy with a 3-2 penalty shoot out win.

 

• On the entertainment front, fans will be wowed by veteran gospel artist, Solly Moholo, Akulalekihitmaker and current SAMA ‘best kwaito’album winner DR Malinga,recently awarded ‘Best Female Artist’Bucie, Bhizer of ‘Gobisiqolo’ fame as well as DJ’s and various cultural acts who will be performing and entertaining the crowds throughout the day.