Kelab Aman to host eighth series of football tourney

Jeyenderan drawing lots to split the teams into two groups for the tournament.

EIGHTY-FOUR football teams will battle it out this weekend to clinch the Datuk Seri R.Jeyenderan Cup.

The eighth series of the tournament would see the nine-a-side teams play a knock-out challenge tomorrow at Kelab Aman, Kuala Lumpur, starting at 8am.

The organiser, philanthropist Datuk Seri Jeyenderan Ramasamy, who is Maritime Network Sdn Bhd director, said he believed in the power of sports as a tool to unite Malaysians regardless of race and religion.

“Sports unite people. That is the reason why I am organising such events to call out to the people, especially youths, to participate in healthy activities and bring people together.

“I hope the event will go smoothly. There is no participation fee, so there is nothing to lose. Just come and have fun,” he said after the registration and drawing of lots to determine the teams at Kelab Aman last week.

The tournament offers a total of RM17,000 in cash prizes on top of trophies and medals.

Jeyenderan said the champions will receive RM8,000 and runners-up RM5,000. The semifinalists will receive RM2,000.

“The top eight teams will also be invited to compete in an eleven-a-side tournament in the future, to further test their skills.

“I have plans to organise more sporting events as part of my corporate social responsibility programme, but it depends on the success of my current events.

“Youths are interested in sports. By providing an avenue for them to put their skills to the test, it will help teach them about discipline which can bring them further in life,” he said.

“The response has been overwhelming. We only targeted 64 teams so, it is a good sign. I hope more youths will take the opportunity to participate in my future events,” he added.