BLUE Waters, Tigers, Black Africa and African Stars stand to be eliminated from the coveted Leo NFA Cup early next month, when the four giants were drawn to play against each other yesterday.

MTC Premiership defending champions African Stars meet Tigers, while Black Africa have a date with Blue Waters in matches that will see two of the premiership sides being eliminated before the Round of 16,

Tigers recently fell 2-0 to Stars and the competition will be a perfect opportunity for them to avenge the defeat, while Blue Waters must be smiling as they will enjoy home-ground advantage against Black Africa.

The rest of the premiership teams have relative easy assignments and can make their way to the last 16, but can be warned that it will not come at a silver platter.

Sport Klub Windhoek (SKW) can prepare themselves for an onslaught when they meet new kids on the block Tura Magis, who play in the first division.

Tura Magic compete in the Southern Stream First Division and most of the players were formerly part of the now defunct Collin Benjamin Soccer Academy.

They made their way to the last 32 when they cancelled out the chances of fellow first-division contenders Young Ones earlier on and are looking at downing SKW in their own backyard.

Orlando Pirates will take on former premiership side Golden Bees from Outjo and a win will be difficult as they meet at a neutral venue in Otjiwarongo.

Civics take on Rundu-based Kavango United at the same venue, while Oshakati City will face fellow students from Ongongo.

Hotspurs will also try to advance as they are facing Eleven Warriors from the Otjozondjupa Region, while Eleven Arrows face northern-based side Omeege United.

The champions of the most lucrative competition in the country will walk away with a hefty N$600 000 this year, N$100 000 more than the winners of the previous season.

The two semi-finalists of the competition which started with a total of 200 teams on January 24, will see each one taking home N$100 000, while the runner up to the champions gets N$200 000.

Over N$1 million set aside for the overall competition and the increase in prize money is to ensure greater reward for participating teams and at the same time to encourage better performances from the teams, organisers argue. The Top Goalscorer and a Player of the Series will each get a record N$25 000 each.

The sponsorship amount for this year equates to about N$3 million to cover for teams playing gear, prize give-aways, stadiums, branding, administration, broadcasting, the final match even as well as the promotion and advertising.

It is the second year that Leo, which formerly operated as Cell One, is sponsoring the tournament, which is the flagship event of the Namibia Football Association (NFA).

There is still a year to go before Leo's contract comes to an end.