NAIROBI, July 25 – Ligi Ndogo’s under 12 football team is all set to defend their trophy in this year’s Umbro International cup in Manchester.
The 30 member strong team which will also include an under 10 side will depart on July 29 for the one week tournament and are expected back on August 5.
The office of the Prime Minister has generously facilitated for two players to take part in the tournament.
The sponsorship will cover visa, flight and accommodation of the two players for the duration of the tournament.
Prime Minister Raila Odinga personally paid for one of the players while the Brazillian Embassy paid for the second player at the request of the Prime Minister.
The under 12s first won the under 12 category of the tournament on their second attempt in 2006 and they retained the trophy last year.
Manchester Vs Espanyol
The players will also get a chance to watch Manchester United play against Espanyol at old Trafford on August 2.
This will be a testimonial match in honour of Ole Gunner Solskjaer who has retired after a great career at Manchester United and the players will get a chance to watch the likes of Wayne Rooney, Carlost Tevze and Rio Ferdinand in action.
Umbro Cup
The Umbro International cup is the largest International Soccer tournament held in Great Britain and is part of the spectacular Umbro International Football Festival.
Last year saw over 400 teams competing with entries from Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Eire, Estonia, France, Gibraltar, Israel, Kenya, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Northern Ireland, Norway, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Tanzania, Thailand, USA and Wales.
Over 40 counties throughout England also competed.
A recent independent poll of 600 coaches voted Manchester Umbro Cup the world’s top youth tournament.
This is the fourth time that Ligi Ndogo is participating in this prestigious tournament.
Ligi Ndogo’s senior team, Ligi Football Club, is currently top of the KFF Nairobi Super league and is expected to be promoted to the Nationwide league – a step away from the premier league – next year.
It comprises pioneer graduates of Ligi Ndogo and has an average age of 18 years.
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