Starting from the 4 to 15 December 2012, the tropical town of Tzaneen will be abuzz from the blowing of vuvuzelas and exciting football on display when the 3rd edition of the LIBA Games kicks-off.
Following
a resounding success of the past two years of the festive season Games, the 32
participating teams from the Local Football Associations in Limpopo, were
unveiled ahead of the start of the tournament.
Senior
Manager for Sponsorships & Events at MTN SA, Desiree Pooe said: “MTN SA
remains a loyal and proud supporter of local football development and we are
pleased to see the growth and nurturing of talent in the Limpopo province
emanating from community games such as the MTN LIBA Games. The 2012 edition of
the MTN LIBA Games promises to deliver another thrilling festive season
community tournament and having SAFA Limpopo as a partner will ensure that this
project will be successful.”
Pooe
added: “The MTN LIBA Games is one of three such tournaments that MTN is
involved in, the other two being the Nelson Mandela Bay Games in Port Elizabeth
and Philly’s Games in Tembisa.
This is our contribution to football development in South Africa, specifically in the Limpopo region, this area consists of Black Leopards and exports talent to the other regions and the MTN LIBA Games are a platform for this talent to emerge.”
Chief
Thidiela, Tournament Director said: “We would like to express our gratitude to
MTN for their continuous support and commitment towards ensuring that football
development, its growth and sustainability is maintained in the Limpopo region
and we will aim to furthermore provide our local talent with an opportunity to
display their skill and produce players to go on and represent the region in
the professional ranks.”
Eight
groups of four teams each were drawn last night to determine who would battle
it out to claim the 2012 title and displace dethrone the 2011 winners Super
Eagles of Seshego.
Each
group plays a round-robin phase where each team is scheduled to play three
matches against three other teams in the same group. The top two teams from each
group advance to the knockout stage. Points are used to rank the teams within a
group. Three points are awarded for a win, one for a draw and none for a loss.
Matches will kickoff at 11h00, 13h00 and 15h00.
Admission
to the stadium is free but security will be tight throughout the tournament and
fans are urged not to bring bottles and weapons to the matches.
