EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool two academy teams to participate in annual Lucky Star Cup in South Africa
European champions Liverpool will see two of their academy teams, precisely the U-12 and U-14s participate in Lucky Star Cup organized annually by South African side FC Kapstadt.
The tournament that have featured South African giants Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs in its participation started in 2009, and have now gained International recognition after 11 years later.
Liverpool have now confirmed their participation- at the end of the season- when the club announced its involvement in the competition on their official website.
“The Reds will send U12 and U14 teams, and they have the chance of playing against some of the best youth teams in Africa, including Al-Ahly, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Ajax Cape Town, Mamelodi Sundowns and many more,” a statement on the club’s official website read.
This came after tournament organisers met with Liverpool officials earlier this week to complete an agreement that would see the club’s academy teams visit the country for the first time.
Right after Liverpool announced their participation, FC Kapstadt president and tournament director Zaid Omar expressed delight in succeeding to engage the Reds in South Africa football for the first time.
“It’s a proud moment for FC Kapstadt to host Liverpool FC Academy teams in South Africa for the first time in history,” Zaid Omar said on FC Kapstadt official site.
“Liverpool’s Academy teams’ participation delivers on our promise to create a platform to make dreams a reality. In this way, the event will continue to inspire youth footballers from South Africa.
“Liverpool’s participation is an historic moment for South African football. The Academy teams’ presence is certainly going to provide an interesting yardstick to measure the progress of our youth football.”
FC Kaptstadt also released a statement via their official Facebook account, in which they highlighted the growth of the tournament over the years and welcomed Liverpool’s participation alongside the academies of some of South Africa’s biggest clubs.
“In 2009, the Lucky Star Cup evolved from a regional event to a national event with the participation of Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns,” the club shared in its official press release.
“In 2020, the event celebrates its 10th anniversary in style by becoming the first international grassroots football festival in Cape Town.
“Liverpool’s Academy teams will certainly provide much excitement and hype. This year’s event will also be an opportunity to measure the progress of South African youth football against the best.”
The tournament will take place between Thursday, 1 October, and Sunday, 4 October, at the Hartleyvale Stadium and Cape Town Stadium.
