Top Score kicks into action tonight

THE annual Top Score Seven-A-Side football competition for companies kicks off in Windhoek today, with 60 teams expected to be part of the popular event this year.

The first matches will start at 17h00 at both the A and B Fields of Ramblers Stadium and entry is free of charge.The organisers announced that instead of starting it early next year, action will resume tonight in a bid to eliminate the possibility of rain delays which affected the competition last year.Namib Mills marketing manager Margareth Gustavo said: ‘Last year, the heavy and frequent rain really caused time-consuming delays, resulting in the tournament running much longer than intended. ‘Our aim is to provide participating teams with optimal playing conditions by minimising the delays so we can play the final matches while it’s still warm out there.’The competition, which is organised by the Ramblers Sports Club, this year marks its 10th anniversary and was boosted with a massive investment of N$133 000 by Namib Mills through its Top Score brand.The company has been the lead sponsor of the event for the past eight years and Gustavo reckons that it’s the ultimate team-building opportunity for companies.The tournament has grown considerably since its inception, with prize money increasing through the years.Last year’s competition saw 72 teams competing for the highest prize on offer, with Plascon clinching the title in a thrilling final match against Game Stores, while Spes Bona Motors were third overall. The format for this year’s tournament has changed slightly, as teams will now play one match each Friday instead of two matches every second Friday as was the case last year.Teams will play nine rounds each, after which the top four teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage.The semi-finals and finals will be played on the same day, usually on a Saturday.The organisers announced that every Friday, there will be a Top Score promotional show where spectators can win prizes.The top eight teams will be rewarded handsomely this time around.The champions of the tournament, which is expected to conclude next year, will take home $10 000, while the runners-up will be in line for N$6 500.The third-place finishers will get N$5 000, while the side that finishes in fourth spot takes home N$3 250.The teams finishing from fifth to eight spot will each receive N$1 000 for their efforts in the tournament, which is traditionally held in the evenings. corry@namibian.com.na