Johannesburg - Premier Soccer League’s six-year partnership with Telkom comes to an end this year, but plans to open negotiations for a new deal have already been put into place.

The negotiation plans were confirmed by League chairman Khoza at the launch and draw of the 2011-2012 Telkom Knockout in Johannesburg.

This season's tournament is sponsored for just over R35m, with R14.2m put aside as prize money for the 16 participating clubs.

Irvin Khoza said: “This sponsorship is significant in many ways. It is the only deal where we signed a six-year contract. PSL contracts are normally effective for five years. We signed the deal for this sponsorship at the OR Tambo International Airport's first-class lounge between myself and the group chief executive of Telkom, Pinky Moholi.

“I want to thank Telkom for the support of the PSL over the years. We have already sent a letter to start negotiations for a new sponsorship.”

Telkom managing director Manelisa Mavuso, commented: “The community will also benefit, as has been the case in the past through this tournament. Fifteen more schools all over the country will receive brand new soccer apparel. We believe this will help to revive the game at grassroots level.”

The player of the tournament will earn R200 000, while the top goal-scorer will receive R150 000.

Any player who scores a hat-trick in the final of Ziwa Mo will take home R150 000 – a feat that only Hareipha "Simba" Marumo has achieved since the inception of the tournament six years ago.