A record 219 teams have registered for the 2023 edition of the annual Ligi East Africa tournament which is scheduled to be held on August 17th and 18th at the Nairobi Polo Club.
Preparations for the tournament are in top gear ahead of for the age group tournament which will bring together teams from across 10 countries who have all confirmed their participation to the two day football extravaganza.
The regional youth tournament will feature different age categories with teams of Under 7, Under 9, Under 11 years of age and Under 13 years who will play in seven aside matches.
Kenya will host the over 1000 young football players from Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Chris Amimo, the tournament director said that the record number of entries, standing at 219, is an indication that the tournament has grown in stature and called on football fans to turn up and support the junior players as they squire it out and hone their skills to become the next generation of professional star players globally.
Amimo affirmed his belief in the caliber of the tournament and it’s ability to attract quality, nascent players.
“This year we have recorded a record number of entries and I believe it is because the tournament has been steadily growing. Teams have confidence in the tournament as a platform where our young talents can showcase their talent and hone their skills. As Ligi Ndogo we are committed to providing opportunities for players to participate in countrywide tournaments, international cups, and tours, thus opening doors for their football careers. I call on fans to come cheer up our youngsters,” Amimo said.
The Ligi Ndogo East African Cup, is an age group football tournament celebrated during the month of August every year I t was established by the Ligi Ndogo Soccer Club Fraternity in 2008 as a means of raising awareness of issues affecting football development among children and youth within the East African region. Each year, the Ligi Ndogo management decides upon a theme for the tournament on the basis of issues of concern to young people of East Africa.