Matome Lebea

Matome Lebea

Benny Boshielo, the chief executive of Limpopo Tourism and Parks said they have resolved to include two South American teams in the yearly Limpopo Soccer Challenge.

The tournament will take place in July or August will feature the three National First Division teams from the province - Black Leopards, Dynamos and Winners Park - in the preliminary stage.

The winner will join an Absa Premiership team and one team each from Argentina and Brazil in the next round. Boshielo said they were negotiating with the three teams but he would not reveal their names.

Speaking during a media briefing yesterday in Polokwane, Boshielo said the plan was part of their marketing strategy for the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

"This will assist us in accomplishing our mandate of marketing and promoting tourism and hospitality in Limpopo," he said.

"As far as accommodation, entertainment and nightlife are concerned the logistics are at an advanced stage.

"We have put aside R12million for the 500 East Africa Safari tents that would accommodate a sizeable number of people. The tents will be donated to the communities after the event. Polokwane municipality has offered us a place [camp site]."

Boshielo warned community members keen on renting out parts of their homes to World cup visitors that only accredited tourism agencies would assist them with this.