500 youth to play in mCheza’s Gold Cup tourney

More than 500 talented footballers under the age of 20 will take part in this year’s edition of the Gold Cup tournament that will be held from August 15 to 20 at St Mary’s School in Nairobi.

Eleven of the best talented students will be selected to join Green Sports Academy where they will benefit from training by professional coaches.

The tournament, an initiative of online betting firm mCheza and Green Sports Africa, will involve 147 teams from Kenya (102), Uganda (20), Tanzania (15) and Rwanda (10).

Competition will be in five categories namely the under-13, under-15, under-18, under-21, and the girls’ Open that will be played on a knock out basis.

Speaking during the launch on Thursday, mCheza Chief Executive Officer Peter Karimi said that the tournament will be of importance to young people hoping to build a career in football. He encouraged more teams to register.

“We are keen on nurturing talent and that is why we have organised this tournament.

“Those who participate in the tournament will receive the exposure they need to take their talent to the next level,” Peter said. 

Karimi also revealed that a team of scouts from Tanzanian football powerhouses Azam, Rwandan champions APR, TP Mazembe of DR Congo, Vipers of Uganda, Harambee Stars, Gor Mahia and Bandari will be present during the five-day tournament.

Green Sports Africa co-founder George Ouma reaffirmed his company’s commitment to nurturing young talent and urged players to give their best during the tournament.

“Besides joining our academy, we are exposing these young players to the international market,” he said.