AFC to miss KPLC Charity cup

By Gilbert Wandera

The final four teams which will take part in this year’s Kenya Charity Cup have been named with AFC Leopards being the major surprise omission.

The event will be held next Saturday at the Moi International Sports Centre, with the winner pocketing a cool Sh850,000.

Teams were selected according to the number of Short Message Services sent by their fans over a two-week period.

Gor Mahia fans sent the highest number of messages standing at 12,989. They were followed by  Western Stima fans who sent 7,585 messages and then Sofapaka (6,789) and Mathare United (6,163).

Leopards were fifth after receiving 6,153 messages. Gor will open the tournament with a semi-final clash fixture against Mathare United from 9am before Western Stima takes on Sofapaka  at 11am.

The winners will meet in the final to be played from 3pm. Online ticket sales began yesterday while the physical tickets will be sold from Wednesday. Fans will pay Sh1,000 to sit in the VIP area and Sh200 in the terraces.

PROVE A POINT

Speaking during the event, Gor Mahia Secretary General George Bwana said he was delighted by  fans’ support and promised that they will not let them down.

“We are delighted and we will not let our fans down this season,” he said. Of Mathare United he said: “Last season we picked two points out of possible six from them meaning that they are always a tough side to play,” he added.

Mathare United chairman Bob Munro said they are looking forward to a great start in the season and the clash against Gor Mahia provides just such an opportunity.

Sofapaka chairman Elly Kalekwa said he is grateful to their fans and pointed out that they look forward to a great season.

“This gesture is a proof that we have many fans and we will do our best to live upto their expectation of us,” said Kalekwa.

Football Kenya Federation chairman Sam Nyamweya has promised an exciting soccer this season and said this will be made possible through a concerted effort by the different football officials.

He also revealed that Standard Bank have accepted to come on board and support football but declined to state in what capacity. “It is regrettable that Kenya is not taking part in the Africa Cup of Nations finals but I promise all our fans that in 2015 we will be there,” said Nyamweya.

Kenya Power Managing Director Joseph Njoroge said the purpose for hosting the tournament is to increase the company’s presence in the communities around the country by investing in various social amenities like lighting of playing fields.

“The money raised will be used in refurbishing and lighting up football pitches in various parts of the country that we believe will benefit many soccer lovers,” said the official.