2nd East African Corporate League (Football):
- 25th – 26th February, 2017
- At Bishop Cyprian, KCCA & Kyadondo Grounds, Kampala
Uganda is set to host the second edition of the East African Corporate (Football) League.
The two official dates of the tournament are 25th and 26th February 2017 in Kampala at three venues – Bishop Cyprian ground in Luzira, KCCA stadium and Kyadondo Rugby Grounds.
This was confirmed during a press briefing held at Hotel African in Kampala attended by the media and a cross section of officials from the Uganda Corporate League (UCL), a brain child of the East African Corporate League (EACL).
Richard Okot, the chairman of the Uganda Corporate League (2016/17) says that there are 6 countries that have duly confirmed to take part in the two day fete.
“Uganda as hosts will entertain neighbours Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo during the second edition of the East African Corporate League.”
The inaugural edition was hosted by Rwanda in 2015 after the idea was brought on the table by Uganda, the pioneer country that initiated the Corporate League in the entire Great Lakes’ region.
Rwanda will be represented by two teams (Vision 2020 and Mulindi F.C), Kenya (UN Corporate and Nairobi Corporate Team), Tanzania Stars will represent Tanzania, Kotoko will carry the Burundi flag, DR Congo (Vielles Gloires and Les Epaves) as well as Uganda by two teams – team A and B.
Uganda’s teams will constitute the best players selected from the all the Corporate League companies to play in 11 aside matches.
All the 40 companies for the Corporate League will play community shield for 7 aside on day 2 at the Phillip Omondi stadium, Lugogo.
“We shall have the 7 aside and 11 aside games. There are two running days for the competition – 25th and 26th February 2017 with three venues. The Bishop Cyprian ground in Luzira, Kyadondo Rugby Ground and KCCA stadium will be used. There will be a limit of 6 substitutions per game,” Thomas Bamuteze, the Vice Chairman of the Uganda Corporate League.
Rules:
Only players above 35 years of age are eligible to play in the East African Corporate League.
There is an exception however, for a team to field up to two players above 30 years but below 35 years per game.
There will be the 11 and 7 a-side formats.
Boaz Nabimanya, the head of discipline asserts that players are expected to show exemplary conduct throughout the tournament.
“Being corporate, we expect a maximum level of discipline throughout the event of the games. We shall use national I.D’s for purposes of identification and ascertaining the required age bracket,” Nabimanya asserted.
Prizes and Awards:
As a way of rewarding the excelling players throughout the tournament, different awards and prizes have been put aside for the winners to motivate the top performers as explained by Willy Edong, the head of technical.
“After the games, there will be an official prize giving ceremony at Hotel Africana in Kampala. There are trophies for the best overall teams, runners up, outstanding players in defence, striking and midfielder departments. Also, the best referee, supportive team, outstanding oldest player, coaches and fans will be recognized,” Edong, who is also the Corporate Account Manager at Airtel Uganda confirmed.