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THE stage is set for the annual Cain George Ncube Memorial Soccer Tournament which would be held at Ratanyane Secondary School in Matobo district tomorrow.
Local primary schools Simphane, Sinkhamaswe, Mashuma, Homestead, Dwaleni and Ratanyane will renew their rivalry in the contest for the R1,000 top cash prize at stake for the winners.
Ratanyane have lifted the cup in the last two years.
This will be the fourth edition of the tournament which started in 2010 and is bankrolled by England-based former Ratanyane Primary School pupil Sikhumbuzo Ncube in memory of his father Cain George Ncube who died in May 2009.
Cain was a teacher at Ratanyane Primary School.
Ncube said his desire is to see the youngsters getting the platform and a chance to exhibit their skills.
He said he is eager to continue supporting the event.
“I have been sponsoring Ratanyane before, but after losing my father, we decided to include other schools and make it a big event in his memory.
“During our time we just played with just one ball, which was so bad. I want the kids to get a chance that we never got, so I hope scouts could come and spot one or two players. We chose to use secondary school facilities because they have better pitches,” said Ncube.
He challenged others to emulate him and support other events such as netball.
“This is a small way to give back to the community. My wish is that other sponsors can chip in and sponsor other disciplines to make this a big event in future,” said Ncube.
He said the memorial tournament was meant to benefit everyone, as all teams are guaranteed something for taking part in the tournament.
“Everyone even those who will finish last will take home something. Each team will get prize money and soccer balls,” he said.
The winners of the tournament will walk away with R1,000, a trophy, six soccer balls and a kit while the runners up will get R750 and five soccer balls.
Online Reporter