Side corporate tournament as organisers have moved the kick-off to Friday, 20 November 2009 instead of the usual kick-off date which is in the early months of the next year.

According to Namib Mills' Marketing Manager, Margareth Gustavo, the idea is to eliminate the possibility of rain delays which last year resulted in the final matches being played in early winter.

"Last year heavy and frequent rain really caused time-consuming delays, resulting in the tournament running much longer than initially intended," she said.

"Our aim is to provide participating teams with optimal playing conditions by minimising delays so teams will play the final matches while it is still warm out on the field.

Next year will also mark a milestone in the history of this league tournament as it will be the 10th year it will be staged.

The tournament attracts football loving corporate teams, mainly from the private sector and parastatals. Teams use the league as a bonding opportunity with fellow co-workers.

A draw to determine who is in what group from A-H was carried out at a launch event this week. Only 54 teams entered the draw as six more were still outstanding to complete the required 60.

Defending champions Plascon find themselves in Group D against some easy looking opponents, if their winning from from last season is to be believed. The 'paint-makers' came out tops after a tiring tournament that started with no fewer than 72 teams.

If they think this season will paint the same picture of the them lifting the trophy, then they will have 59 other teams saying the opposite. Every new season brings new belief, spirit and hope for a better season. This belief will not be more fuller in none other than the players of Game and Spes Bona Motors who came in second and third respectively.

The men from the big departmental store lost out to a more fitter and technically stronger Plascon team who were very good on the day. So this season presents them with a chance to go one better and make up for the heartbreak of last year.

Spes Bona players will forever think they were just unlucky that they could not better Game and Plascon. However, they have a few things they need to polish out if they will be serious contenders once the new season kicks off this Friday.