PIONEER Foods has come on board as new sponsor of a soccer tournament held in memory of the late Kaizer Chiefs director and Soweto school principal Clarence Mlokoti.
The Clarence Mlokoti Commemorative Tournament kicked off in Tsomo in the Eastern Cape last weekend and will end on October 8.
Mlokoti, who devoted 30 years of his life to South African soccer, was killed by car hijackers in Pimville, Soweto, in December 1999. The tournament is organised by Chiefs media relations officer Luthando "Trompies" Zibeko, who was born and raised in Tsomo. It is an annual event that was launched last year.
"There are exciting innovations this year and we have launched a logo for the tournament. One of the requirements for teams taking part in the tournament is to have six under-20 players in the starting line-up," Zibeko explained.
"It is in line with our vision to encourage development in our soccer. We want our junior national teams to also benefit from such tournaments.
"Talks are under way with one of the top National First Division teams to also come on board as long-term partners. The partnership is going to allow top players to have trials (at the club) and in the near future coaches will get an opportunity to be developed.
"It is my dream to see a product from the tournament playing in the NFD and Absa Premiership by end of 2014," he said.
Bernard McPherson, department of sport and recreation manager at the Chris Hani district municipality, said they were delighted to be part of the tournament.
"The inaugural tournament was a resounding success and we are thrilled to be working together with the organisers again this year," McPherson said. The Eastern Cape department of sport, Queens Hotel, Puma and Tsomo Hotel were also on board as partners.