The inaugural SportPesa Super Cup football tournament has kicked off today at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Kenya’s AFC Leopards will open the contest against Singida of Zanzibar in a tricky encounter that is expected to go either way. Apart from gunning to lift this coveted trophy, AFC is looking forward to redeem its image after a poor show in the SportPesa Premier League (SPL) whose first leg was concluded the other Sunday.
AFC had looked promising at the start of the season and at one point cruised to command the SPL log before mysteriously blowing away the good run, a development which saw them end the first leg in 12th place with 15 points.
Even though Ingwe has an upperhand in the encounter, the players should not underrate Singida as the latter are among the giants clubs, alongside Jang’ombe, to be reckoned with in Zanzibar.
Another fiery battle looming at the venue pits Vodacom champions Yanga against SPL champions Tusker FC, to be played at 4.15 pm. This is definitely a must-watch encounter as the two sides are the reigning champions in their respective local leagues.
“The tournament will give us the much needed exposure,” Tusker FC captain James Situma noted.
While explaining the reasons for coming up with the tournament, SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri noted: “For decades since the Gossage Cup started in 1926, Kenyan and Tanzanian teams have been involved in classic football battles which have excited and captivated their supporters at home and across Africa. So SportPesa realized the need to bring back the glorious days of Kenyan and Tanzanian football by launching this tournament.”
The proud winner of the tournament will face a famous English Premier League side on July 13 this year.
“The tournament will be annual with the second edition scheduled for Kenya next year,” Karauri added.
June 5 fixtures at Uhuru stadium, Tanzania
AFC Leopards vs Singida (Tanzania) 2pm
Yanga (Tanzania) vs Tusker FC 4.15 pm
June 6 fixtures at Uhuru stadium, Tanzania
Gor Mahia vs Jang’ombe Boys FC (Zanzibar) 2.00pm
Simba (Tanzania) vs Nakuru All Stars 4.15 pm
June 8 Semifinals
June 11 Finals
Prize Money
Winner – Kshs 3 million
Runners up – Kshs 1 million
Losing Semifinalists – Kshs 500,000 each
Losing Quarter finalists – Kshs 250,000 each
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