Kanye Independence Cup organisers target more sponsors

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Correspondent | Thursday October 7, 2010 00:00

This year's event had a P16,000 sponsorship with assistant Minister of Local Government, Kentse Rammidi offering P10,000. AB Spares and Up Front Construction each forked out P3000 each to finance the event.

A member of the organising committee, Sebonego Sebonego told Mmegi Sport that although they are happy at the way things have turned out so far, they would like to make the tournament better.

'We are already looking at ways of improving it. We were happy that both AB Spares and Up Front Construction were willing to add their weight and increase what Rammidi had offered. We believe that if we work hard, we would be able to convince more sponsors to help,' he said. The annual event attracted nine teams. Kanye United beat an expectant Blue Hunters 2-1 to lift the third edition of the cup and the P5,000 top prize.  Blue Hunters went into the Independence Day clash buoyant after wins over First Division sides, Kanye Swallows and Southern Pirates en route to the final. Kanye United overcame Kanye Happy Hearts 3-2 in the first encounter before accounting for Gamaila FC in a 2-1 victory to qualify for the final.

Blue Hunters beat Parks FC before dismissing Swallows 4-3 on penalties. They overcame Pirates in the next match 3-0. Pirates had won the last two editions of the tournament but came unstuck against a determined Blue Hunters.

In the final, Kanye United knew they had to guard against complacency against the giant-killers. In the end, they narrowly escaped with a 2-1 victory to claim the title.  Blue Hunters went home with P3,600 while Pirates received P2,000 after beating Gamaila in the losers final. Teams knocked in the first round were consoled with P800 each.