The Standard Chartered Bank annual five-a-side tournament dubbed “Road to Anfield” is set to kick off this Saturday. On this day, more than 51 teams will converge at the St Mary’s grounds for the tournament. The winner will gain qualification to the international round which will be played at the Liverpool FC’s home ground, Anfield in May 2019.
The tournament was started in Kenya back in 2013 to celebrate the sponsorship of the Liverpool Football club. It also gave clients and media partners a once in a life time experience to get a all expenses paid trip to visit Anfield the home of Liverpool FC.
The tournament has grown in popularity over the years as more corporates eye an opportunity to travel to Anfield thus making the tournament competitive. This continued interest has become instrumental in improving the standards of the tournament. Wananchi Group who won the local tournament after edging out Letshego 3-0 were knocked out in the quarters at Anfield when they lost by 2 goals to 1 to Hong Kong. Hopefully whoever emerges as the winner here will be able to bring back the international trophy.
Mr. Dennis Sitieney, Head of Sponsorships, Standard Chartered Bank had this to say, The Bank is targeting to host 51 teams comprising of Standard Chartered clients and Media partners who will battle for the single slot to represent Kenya in the finals. “At stake is a fully paid up trip to Anfield, the home of Premier League giants Liverpool FC. The winners will travel to the UK for a fully paid 4-day trip to represent Kenya at the Standard Chartered Trophy Finals, which will be played at Anfield. In addition, the winning team will attend an English Premier League match at Anfield and will benefit from a professional training session with Liverpool FC legends and coaches to help prepare for the final tournament.”