Zama Zama time here again

Victor Hlungwane tourney known far and wide

December is upon us and for soccer starved masses in Giyani and adjacent areas it is the time for Zama Zama tourney, the tournament that is held annually at the Homu KYD ground.
The tournament started in 1995 by well-known Premier Soccer League referee Victor Hlungwani.

This is the tournament that has gained much credibility because the tournament organisers seemingly do not have vested interest on who wins.

“We have decided to be part of the tournament this year because of its popularity. Every years it runs smoothly and there have been no allegations of interference with the referees from the organisers,” said Love Mashele of Matsakali Sky Rangers in Malamulele whose team will be part of the tournament for the first time.

The tournament was called Zama Zama for the first time in the year 2000 and it has gained fame.

The winners of the latest edition The Rock are a team from Tembisa is Gauteng.
“We have gained fame everywhere and teams just want to be part of the tournament,” said Hlungwani.

The launch and toss for this year’s edition has been done at Giyani multipurpose centre. The crime of our society have attended the tournament in the past and many bigwigs are expected to attend this year’s games. Some of the top people who often attended the games included former communications minister and now ANC MP Faith Muthambi and Limpopo legislature’s ANC chief whip Falaza Mdaka.

Other people who have attended the games include Tebogo Munyai the vice president of the South African Players Union, well known musician Benny Mayengani, Howard Mashaba MD of Shilumani Coaches, Greater Giyani mayor Sasavona Mathebula, Orlando Pirates’ Justice Chabalala who is the product of the games and Wiseman Maluleke of Polokwane City.

The games are expected to start on December 16 and the finals will be on December 31.

They will certainly provide a poor man’s fiesta to soccer starved people.

Thrills and jitters will be the order of the day.