POKHARA, Jan 19: The names of the teams taking part in the 11th edition of Aaha-Rara Gold Cup Football Tournament, one of the prestigious football tournament held outside the capital, were declared on Saturday.
The event to kick off from Tuesday will feature 12 teams in total, including eight top tier teams, two from abroad, the host and other from the eastern region. [break]
Organizing a press conference on Saturday, host Sahara Club of Pokhara stated that, the 12-day event will be contested by Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC), Jawalakhel, Three Star, Machhindra, Nepal Police Club, Ranipokhari Corner Team (RCT), Nepal Army Club and Friends Club -- the A division teams of Nepal. South Samittee FC of Kolkata and Gorkha Brigade Football Team from India will participate from abroad.
According to Sahara Club President Bikram Thakali, the organizer was yet to declare the tie-sheet as the A division teams to compete in the event were currently vying in the Martyrs Memorial League in the capital. "Though the participating teams are confirmed, the tie-sheet shall be disclosed after a couple of days," Thakali said.
According to Thakali, Gorkha Brigade consists of Nepali players recruited in the Indian Army. Southern Samittee is the B division club of Kolkata.
Meanwhile, the host team has set the target of lifting the title. "We are preparing with the aim to reach the final and then keep the title at home," said Thakali about the home team.
The winner and the runner up of event will bag a purse of Rs 351,000 and Rs 201,000 respectively along with the trophies. The best player shall be awarded a motorbike and the highest scorer will receive Rs 15,000.
Meanwhile, the best players in four positions -- goalkeeping, defending, midfield and forward -- and the best coach will get Rs 10,000 apiece. The fair play team will be awarded with Rs 5,000.
As in the previous edition, each participating team will be given match money as well. The winner of pre-quarterfinal will get Rs 10,000 and the runner up Rs 5,000. The quarterfinal winner and runner up will get Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000, while all semifinalists will bag Rs 20,000.
According to Club´s General Secretary Keshar Bahadur Thapa, the savings from tournament will be used for running the academy set up by the club, Thapa said.
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