| Fadhil Yunus |
THE much-anticipated Standard Chartered Cup 2016 kicked off amid much fanfare as local teams chase the Anfield dream to watch English Premier League giants Liverpool clash against Watford in one of the biggest leagues in the world on May 7.
Present to officially launch the Standard Chartered Cup, an international 5-a-side futsal tournament, was Haji Rosmadee bin Haji Mohd Daud, Director of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
The tournament represents a different take to last year’s Standard Chartered Trophy 2015, which was won by Matahari FC in the Brunei leg and advanced to the regionals, whereby the winner will go to Anfield directly without having to challenge against neighbouring nations.
“We are excited to be able to host this tournament in Brunei this year. With an even bigger prize to compete for and a good mix of players, we hope that this will be a riveting week-long tournament,” said Rino Donosepoetro, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank Brunei.
Haji Rosmadee bin Haji Mohd Daud, Director of Youth and Sports launches the Standard Chartered Cup with a customary kick in keeping with tradition
CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Brunei Rino Donosepoetro presenting a memento to Haji Rosmadee. – PHOTOS: FADHIL YUNUS
“Standard Chartered Bank’s Liverpool sponsorship shows that we are not just a financial institution, but one that knows the importance of community engagement through sports,” he added.
All seven players from the winning team will win a trip to Anfield, one of the most iconic football grounds in the world which has welcomed not just playing greats but also managerial legends such as Bill Shankly, to watch Liverpool ‘live’ against the Hornets.
During the trip to Merseyside, the winning team will enjoy the ultimate privilege of watching from the executive box with spectacular views of play-to-play action by the current crop of Liverpool stars including the likes of Philippe Coutinho or Daniel Sturridge.
The Standard Chartered Cup 2016 winners, which will be decided on Saturday, will also receive a training session at the LFC Academy and meet a LFC legend as part of the once-in-a-lifetime trip.
The winners of Group A, B and C booked a berth in the quarterfinals which will be contested on Friday and several more teams will find out their fate tonight and tomorrow to complete the last eight.
On 14th September 2009, Liverpool Football Club and Standard Chartered Bank announced a four-year deal which saw the bank became the club’s main sponsor. In July 2013, a two-year extension was announced, lasting until the end of the 2015/16 season.
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