14 teams will take to the pitch as the second edition of the Imo State Football Assocation Veterans Football Competition kicks off on Saturday, 10th August 2024 at the training pitch of the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri by 3pm.
The competition in the second edition will kick start with seminar to educate the veteran players and officials of the role expected of them, rules and regulations and opportunities available through the competition for the retired footballers.
The competition which is a brain child of the Barrister Ifeanyi Dike led Imo State FA is aimed at promoting wellness and opportunities for networking of ideas between the ex-players and their fans, who may not have heard much about them since they retired from the game.
The competition will kick off with a tough encounter between Uzie Na Abosi All Stars and Fit Friends All Stars at the practice pitch of the Dan Anyiam Stadium Owerri.
The competition will have in attendance for the first time, the presence of two former African Footballers of the Year, Emmanuel Amuneke and Ambassador Kanu Nwankwo and other invited guests during the opening game on Saturday.
Members of the Heartland FC team that got to the final of the CAF Champions League in 2009 before losing to TP Mazembe of DR Congo on away goal rule will be on ground as well to witness the epoch making occasion.
The programme which was supposed to start with the seminar on the first day of August was postponed because of the ongoing nationwide protest.
The chairman, Organising Committee Casmir Mbachu, said the second edition was supposed to be on a home and away format but was cancelled due to the various economic challenges facing the country.
But that despite the change in format, he is assuring all that the competition will not drop in standards as notable former players have all signed up for the tournament and are ready to give their best.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Organizing Committee, Neville Okere appreciated the teams that registered for the competition and assured them of a smooth organization in this year’s edition.
Dynamo Dynamic are the defending champions of the first ever organized Imo State Football Assocation Veterans Cup and they have expressed their intention of regaining the title won last year again this term.
