The stage is set for this year’s Selati Cup

Despite attempts to hinder the hosting of the ninth edition of the TSB Selati Cup tourney which has become an integral part of the subregion, it is all systems go and voting is up running.

This follows the official opening of voting lines on Friday February 13 by TSB.

During a teams’ briefing session held at the TSB Training Centre on February 12, the sponsors explained that there was no clear indication of the cause of the alleged feud between the Nkomazi Local Football Association (NKLFA) and TSB.

“There has been a one between the two stakeholders, which was then followed by a second meeting where the executive of the NKLFA had discussions with TSB. We spoke and reached agreements, and then asked when they were calling teams so we could explain to them. They told us they would inform teams of a meeting scheduled for February 2. Voting was initially planned to have started around February 4 or 5. Clubs were not called to attended, and we then had another meeting where we also agreed, and they promised to call teams on that Sunday. That day there was nothing, we asked when they were calling them in, they said Monday. There is nothing negative which was said that we know about, we all left the last meeting on good terms,” Kenneth Phiri of TSB explained.

None of the representatives of the football association were willing to comment or put their reasons for opposing the tourney on record.

This year, there are a total of 20 participating streams and a grand total of 317 teams competing in this annual tourney, scheduled to start on March 22 until June 7.

Proudly sponsored by the sugar giant based in Malalane, this tournament started back in 2005 with the sole purpose of developing and nurturing local talent.

It has grown in such a way that it doesn’t only help expose youngsters to many future opportunities, but also empowers community members who have the opportunity to do business during the games.

To vote for yours or any team you would like to see in this competition, simply SMS “Selati”, followed by the stream that is in alphabetical order and then the preferred team in numerical order to 33459. Voting closes on March 5.