Richard Nkosi

The last leg of the provincial play- offs of the Mille Cup will be played at different venues across the country this weekend.

Zuka Baloyi Stadium in Welkom will host the Free State action when veteran campaigners Thato Primary School take on newcomers to this level of play, Koffiefontein Combined School.

Themba Shabalala, coordinator of the South African Schools Football Association, said: "Football enthusiasts will celebrate spring day in style when they witness the last provincial playoffs.

"The road has been paved for the best of the best in the under-14 age group from both primary and secondary schools in this prestigious tournament."

Bodikela Junior Secondary from Bethlehem and Tswelopele Public School from Welkom have promised to give their opponents a hard time. They will be joined by Mmathabo Intermediate High School from Parys.

The Limpopo finals will take place at Seshego Stadium where Hudson Nsanwisi High School will be defending their honour as champions of the Mille Cup's last edition.

But they will have to get past Setshitshi High of Zebediela and Khaiso High of Seshego, who promise to have the backing of all 2000 pupils in their quest for glory. Whoever underestimates Mudupa Junior Secondary from Tzaneen will do so at their peril.

In KwaZulu-Natal, defending provincial champions Osizweni High School failed to qualify.

The games that were scheduled for the past week have been rescheduled until tomorrow at Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg. This mouthwatering spectacle boasts Mehlokazulu High, who have a number of provincial titles under their belt.

Joining the fray are Buhlebemfundo High School of Claremont, Qophindlela High School of Ladysmith and Thambolini Primary School from Zululand.

"The Gauteng edition was rounded up in style when the popular Safa Transnet Football School of Excellence claimed victory at the expence of Soweto's Progress High School by beating them 4-1 last Saturday," said Shabalala.