By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Standard Chartered Bank has set the stage for the 2024 Standard Chartered Cup – Road to Anfield, revealing the draw for the 41 competing teams ahead of the tournament on November 30, 2024, at St. Mary’s Grounds, Nairobi.
The teams have been grouped into eight pools for the round-robin group stages. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout rounds, with the final showdown determining this year’s SC Cup Champions.
Letshego claimed the 2019 SC Cup title in style, defeating Capital FM 3-2 in a tense penalty shootout.
The winning team will earn an all-expenses-paid trip to Anfield, home of Liverpool FC, to witness the Premier League clash between Liverpool and Arsenal in May 2025.
Beyond matchday, the winners will experience a training session at Liverpool FC Academy with an LFC legend, a guided tour of Anfield’s iconic museum, and a visit to the famous Beatles Story exhibit.
The SC Cup is a fast-paced, 5-a-side futsal tournament celebrating Standard Chartered’s partnership with Liverpool FC.
Open to the Bank’s corporate clients, SMEs, Liverpool FC fans, and media partners, the tournament is as competitive as it is fun.
“This year’s preparations are in full swing, and we’re excited to connect with our valued customers through this tournament while celebrating our partnership with Liverpool FC,” said Joyce Kibe, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand, and Marketing for Kenya and Africa, during the live draw event.
“I encourage teams to train diligently and familiarise themselves with the rules for a fair and seamless competition,” said Kibe.
Unlike traditional football, futsal rules in this tournament eliminate the offside rule, allowing players greater freedom to position themselves anywhere on the pitch.
“The key rules for the event are that each team must have seven players, and the game lasts 10 minutes. Teams can make roll-on, roll-off substitutions. To advance, teams must finish in the top two positions in their group, moving on to the round of 16, where the knockout stage begins,” said Aman Bhasin, Left Foot Sports Director.
Adding to the excitement, Liverpool legend Jason McAteer (1995-1999) will grace the event.
Managed by Left Foot Limited, a leader in football tournament management, the SC Cup promises top-notch organisation and electrifying action.
GROUP STAGE POOLS
CLIENT DRAW
| GROUP A | GROUP B | GROUP C | GROUP D | GROUP E | GROUP F | GROUP G | GROUP H | |
| 1 | Jubilee Insurance B | Madison Group A | Palladum Dev. B | Kenya Nut – A | G.A. Insurance A | Jubilee Allianz Gen . | Zamara | Kenya Airways B |
| 2 | Deloitte B | Palladum Dev. A | G.A. Insurance B | Del Monte | PWC | Wananchi Grp-B | Royal Media Grp | Nation Media Group |
| 3 | Path Kenya | Multi Choice | Jubilee Insurance A | Batuk – A | Global Energy Alliance | Cannon Gen Ins. A | Batuk – B | CFAO Mobility B |
| 4 | Standard Media | IPSOS | KPMG | Deloitte A | CFAO Mobility A | Think Place K. LTD | Kenya Airways A | Radio Africa |
| 5 | British American Tobacco | Crown Paints K. | Madison Group B | U.S.I.U. | Bata Shoe Co. | MedLetsgiamax | Old Mutual | Wananchi Grp-A |
| 6 | Kenya Nut – B | Cannon Gen Ins. B | Palladum Dev. B | Kenya Nut – A | G.A. Insurance A | Jubilee Allianz Gen . | Zamara | Kenya Airways B |
STAFF DRAW
| GROUP A | GROUP B | |
| 1 | Inject | Team Kamaliza |
| 2 | Turf Titans | Team Leo – F.F.E. |
| 3 | S.C. Legends | Unadiglo FC |
| 4 | Omushamulizi FC | Top Scorers |
| 5 | Big Boss FC | Fiery City |
