Rivers State Governor’s Cup opener
Onelga squares up against Khana

Onelga Local Government Area and its counterparts, Khana are expected to kick off the prestigious Rivers State Governor’s Cup tomorrow at the Liberation Stadium, Port-Harcourt. The second match of the day is between Akulga and Eleme LGA.

Thursday’s fixtures of the five-week talent haunt and career discovery exercise largely seen as a build up for the state hosting of next year’s National Sports Festival will see Tai squaring up against Andoni, later in the day, Degema will take the pitch against Omuma.

The draw for the football fiesta involving twelve of the twenty three Local Government Areas of the state, sponsored by Shell Petroleum Development Company – Operator of the NNPC, Shell, Agip, Total joint ventures, was held on August 24, while a stakeholders session – FA, coaches, referees, media, among others, took place on August 26 with emphasize on fair play and hitch free competition.

Admonishing the organizers and participants on the need to lay premium on grassroots participation, Project Consultant, Emeka Enyadike said win at all cost syndrome must be de-emphasized.

“The teams should endeavour to give young players a chance. This is not a win at all cost situations where teams resort to hiring league players. They should dig deep into the rural areas for fresh talents.

“The recent travails of the Golden Eaglets should serve as an eye opener. Tournaments like this are meant to discover talents,” he said.

The competition is billed to be played twice – Tuesday and Thursday, quarter finals and semi final come up on September 24 and 29 respectively, while third place and final take place on October 1.