Stage set for Nkange tourney

MOGOMOTSI BUZWANI & KEABETSWE NEWEL
Correspondent | Wednesday December 22, 2010 00:00

The Top 8 tournament has been going on for more than a decade now, involving football clubs from Senete, Nkange and Changate villages in the North Eastern region. It is by far the best-organised tournament that provides entertainment during the festive season in Nkange and its environs. Organising secretary Khaolani Phineas said though the tournament would run without sponsorship, he expects electrifying displays from defending champions Nkange Movers.

'Those who love football will not regret being around those villages this festive season. We are expecting people around Nkange to come in large numbers for their festive season entertainment,' Phineas said.

In the past, some players from the Premier League and national team have assisted the organising committee with their expertise to ensure the tournament's growth. Their presence has been appreciated by supporters who only hear their names on radio and television commentaries. In addition, the presence of such star players has boosted the confidence of players from this region, which has produced the likes of Kenamile Mani, Mochudi Centre Chiefs' striker Galabgwe Moyana and Township Rollers' skipper Abedenico Powell who plays for the national team, the Zebras.

Phineas said there are so many good local players involved at this tournament that coaches around the country could 'come and poach' players with a potential to develop into big stars like Powell.

Tickets for matches to be played on December 25-26 cost P 7.00 and P 5.00 for the remaining games, including the finals on January 1, 2011.

'For those who are interested in poaching, especially coaches and club representatives, accommodation may be arranged for them,' he said.

Young Brothers, Champion, Senete United, Changate Chiefs, Mashale Sundowns, Flying Stars and Changate Swallows will be amongst the teams to watch. The losers' finals will kick off on the first day of 2011 followed by the final at Young Strikers' grounds.

Phineas has appealed to companies to help sponsor the tournament to make it even more competitive in future.