High stakes as 64 teams set to line up in GOtv Shield tourney

The stage is set for this year’s GOtv Shield Cup tournament after preliminary draws were held on Wednesday.

For the first time in the competition’s history, a total of 64 teams will participate in the event which was launched in 1956, with winners taking home a glittering trophy, Sh2 million in prize money and a ticket to the Caf Confederation Cup.

Wednesday’s preliminary draw will see teams from the lower tier leagues battle it out for a chance to meet the big boys in the third stage.

BATTLE FOR SLOTS

But the teams from provincial and county leagues will again fight it out in the second stage as they seek slots and a chance to cause upsets when they take on the big boys at a later stage in the tournament.

Kenyan Premier League teams will, however, join the competition at the third stage. AFC Leopards are the defending champions. In last season’s edition of the competition, national league side Finlays Horticulture caused a major upset when they beat Kenyan Premier League sides to reach the quarter-finals before being stopped in their tracks by a mean Sofapaka.

In Wednesday’s draw, 24 teams from provincial and county leagues were paired with twelve winners set to face 24 teams from the national zonal leagues.

The winners from this phase will then face the 16 Premier League teams. The 12 matches will be played this weekend in various venues across the country.

Preliminary round fixtures: Vihiga United v Butterfly FC, Kenyatta National Hospital v  Red Eagles, InterCity FC v  Homabay Talent, Fresha FC v  Dandora Combined, UoN v Blitz FC, Museno Samba v  Nyakach United, Strathmore University v  Muhoroni Young, Thomo Buffaloes v  Ulinzi Warriors, Commercial FC v Lekentis FC, Vibwanga FC v Magarini FC, Wazee wa Kazi v Mumbi Nationale, Transfoc FC v Metumi United.