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| Wednesday, 28 January 2004 |
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Sharp FA Cup to kick off soon by Bernard Perera The launch of the 14th FA Cup soccer championship was held on Wednesday at the Football House. The FA Cup will be sponsored by Brown & Company for the Sharp FA Cup for the third successive year. M. V. Thiagarajah, Deputy Chairman, Brown & Company was the chief guest at the launch. J. M. G. Candappa, Managing Director of sponsors speaking on the occasion said that Sharp FA Cup has attracted many soccer fans. This championship which absorbs clubs from all parts of the country gives the opportunity for clubs in all divisions to compete. With this all round participation the sponsors too have got the necessary mileage. For this we as sponsors are a happy lot. As FA Cup soccer is played in all parts of the country even the spectators are satisfied, he said. The championship being an open one none can predict the winners and many surprises could be expected, he told the gathering. In Sri Lanka soccer has seen an upward trend mainly due to the efforts put in by Senior Vice President of AFC and Chairman Management Committee FFSL, Manilal Fernando. I have to mention that it was Fernando who paved the way for my company to join hands with FFSL which has given us the best mileage, said Candappa. In Sri Lanka the soccerites have a tough time in continuing with the game as they are not professionals. Before coming to soccer they have to look for their living. They have a very short time to devote for the game. This is the reason why we decided to help this game in a big way, said Candappa. He wished all the teams good luck. Manilal Fernando, thanking the sponsors said that soccer has taken a great step forward during the recent past. This is mainly due to the interest shown by sponsors and spectators. The soccerites in our country have taken soccer in a serious manner which is also a key factor for sponsors arrival. We, as administrators have a job to look after the players in a big way. With this in mind the Federation has decided to double the prize money which also could help the clubs. This year the winners are to carry away the brilliant Sharp trophy plus a cash award of Rs. 500,000 while runners up are to receive Rs. 250,000. The championship will see the participation of 125 teams. Renown SC from Kotahena won the last year's championship beating Air Force in the final. Saunders SC and Renown SC have won the FA Cup five times each. |
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