The 2023 UG Standard Chartered Cup has officially been launched today 25th September at The Standard Chartered Bank head quarters in Kampala.
The 6th edition will be graced by Liverpool legend Steve McManaman who will spend time in the country during the tournament days of play as announced during the press briefing.
The 5 aside futsal tournament is an international football tournament that offers football fans an opportunity to travel to the UK to attend an English Premier League match at Anfield. This also covers other benefits from a professional training session with the “Reds” legends and coaches at the LFC academy before attending a match viewing session of an LFC game.
The Acting Chief Executive Officer at Standard Chartered, Kelvin Musana expressed his delight to host one of the Liverpool legends during the tournament as he was addressing the media.
“I am extremely proud of our partnership with Liverpool FC, which enables us to work together to create and deliver unique, money-can’t-buy experiences such as this. I look forward to enjoying some friendly, but exciting, competition among our 40 corporate peers for the chance win the Grand prize of an all-expenses paid trip to watch a match live at Anfield, the home of Liverpool Football Club. I would like to appeal to all invited corporates to take advantage of this opportunity as soon as possible as it’s on a first come, first serve basis. I want to thank all the past participating organisations, our media partners for supporting us on this journey.”
“We are delighted to host a Liverpool legend like Steve McManaman join us this year. Steve was and continues to be a role model for many – respected by his teammates, opponents, managers and fans alike. I am grateful to Steve for agreeing to travel here, share his experiences and insights to inspire all football loving fans and all of us to aspire to greater heights, both on and off the pitch.”
The tournament returns after a period of four years absence due to the unavoidable circumstances caused by the COVID 19 pandemic.
One of the tournament organisers Edgar Watson who is the FUFA CEO and Edgars Youth Programme hinted on the technical aspects which will ensure fairness in this year’s tournament.
“As Edgars Youth Programme, we have experience handling the technical aspects of this SC Cup futsal tournament having managed it from inception in 2015. This year we will ensure fairness and professionalism in this competition through verification of the players to ensure no professional players participate. We have a competent team of game officials and Technical Committee who will handle the tournament.” Said Edgar Watson Ssubi.
The player eligible to participate in this year’s tournament should be above the age of 18 and only amateurs players who have never been registered in any FUFA organised competition.
“Even though this a fun 10 minute, 5-aside tournament, it tends to be very competitive due to the grand prize so participants are urged to train well to cope adequately. The tournament allows participation of both male and female players.” he added.
Registration will be on a first come, first serve basis and can close earlier if we get the 40 teams before the deadline. Workmates, families and friends are welcome to attend and watch the local tournament that will take place on 7th October 2023. In the spirit of diversity and inclusion, we encourage teams to have female players as this is an amateur and fun tournament and meant to reward employees.
This year, 40 teams of 7 players (participants) each, will play 10-minute 5-aside matches (with 2 substitutes). The teams will comprise of the Bank’s Corporate, Commercial or Business Banking entities, LFC fans and media partners. Participation is strictly by invitation.
The 40 teams will be grouped by the organisers in eight groups for the group stages and the group games will be played on a round robin basis. The top two in each group, will advance to the round of 16, and the winners will go on a knockout format advancing until the final.
The tournament is hinged on the Bank’s Liverpool FC sponsorship and is a great opportunity for Standard Chartered to reinforce its partnership with Liverpool FC locally and engage its clients and local LFC fans in the beautiful game of football.
The tournament provides the Bank with a platform to actively engage football fans, reward & motivate fans, clients and employees, further grow the support for Liverpool FC locally and promote a fun-filled, interactive, sporty and memorable Standard Chartered event.
Registration to the tournament is open for five days starting on Monday 25th to Friday 29th September and it will take place on the 7th of October at KCCA FC playgrounds.
