The national finals of the tournament sponsored by the Motsepe Foundation and Sanlam in conjunction with the Basic Education Department and the South African Football Association (Safa) will kick-off on Tuesday (September 24) at the UFS fields, and will conclude on Friday. It is alleged the prize is considered the largest in value in Africa at under-19 level. 

The runners-up, third and fourth placed teams will receive between R 400 000 and R 600 000 respectively. The winnings will not be handed over in cash but will be spent on projects at the schools. Representative for the tournament Kassey Beluigi says it’s all systems go for the tournament at this stage.

 Aside from Moroka Secondary School from Thaba’ Nchu and a handful of other schools who are newcomers to the Cup, the vast majority are making their return to the nationals in the hope of scooping that grand prize. 

These returning teams include Eletsa Secondary School in Brits, Unitas High School in Welkom, as well the Northern Cape Schools, Okiep High School and Blinkklip High School from Springbok and Postmasburg respectively.

Many of the teams including Unitas reportedly have members of the under-20 South Africa national squad, making the tournament one to watch.  

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