By Adebayo Olodan
T he maiden edition of JAFAK Cup will kick off on Monday at the Kwara Football Academy (KFA) pitch.
No fewer than 16 teams divided into four groups registered for the competition as the draws were held at the Conference Room of the Indoor Sports Hall, Kwara State Stadium, yesterday.
The opening match will be between two Group A teams; Abacha FC and Golden Stars at 8am while the second match will see Santos FC lock horns with Champion FC (also in Group A) 10am.
Other groups matches will be played same time and same venue from Tuesday to Friday.
Group B, consists of House of Prayer FC, Nationwide, La Planet and Starford FC while Group C has Delmak FC, Excellency FC, Super Utd and Airforce FC.
Sambest FC, All Star FC, Okaa Sport and Rising FC make up the last group of the competition.
Speaking at the event, the organiser who is also a coach of KFA, Lekan Olarewaju said plans have been concluded to ensure a first rate competition even as he urged all participating teams to abide by the rules and regulations of the JAFAK Cup.
Speaking further, he said the winners will be rewarded handsomely adding that outstanding players such as the highest goal scorers, best goalkeeper and best young talent will also be honoured at the end of the tourney.
Meanwhile, representatives of various participating team have expressed their readiness for the tournament even as they hoped for an injury-free campaign.
Coach Abdullateef Yusuf from Kwara Football Association conducted the draws.
The JAFAK Cup is being organised in honour of former Kwara Utd chairman and renowned NFF match commissioner, Prince Joseph Aranloye Fakayode and sponsored by his son, Lanre Fakayode.
Prince Fakayode, who was bestowed a merit award by SuperSport in 2012 died at the age of 68 in September 2015. Until his death, he was the sole sponsor of Amuedewe youth soccer competition and the first outside of the emirate to serve as chairman Ilorin Emirate Football Association.
