TZW
The quarter final matches start today, making the event cruise into its fourth and final week. The first quarter finals will be played at Sheikh Amri Abeid Kaluta Memorial Stadium today, when two matches are to be featured; the second comes up tomorrow with two more games to complete the eight clubs. Murieti, Unga-Limited, Olorien and Kimandolu FC are the teams that have qualified for the quarters while other four will be known later today.
The final will be held during the National Union Day on April 26, this year. The Arusha City Sports Officer, Benson Maneno expressed his satisfaction with the response and the cooperation he received from ward leaders and other local officials in Arusha urban district. Maneno said the final game will be played at the same venue but before the game, third place play off will be staged.
The league styled competition divided in four categories, is being played on ‘Home and Away,’ basis on respective teams’ grounds, because each squad plays from a particular ward and there are 25 of these. In Group A’ there was the Moshono, Baraa, Moivaro, Kimandolu and Olorien wards; Group B’ had Daraja II, Engutoto, Themi, Lemara and Mjini-Kati, Kaloleni and Sekei. Group C’ featured Sinon, Sokon One, Terrat, Muriet, Osunyai and Unga-Limited.
In Group D’ teams were Olasiti, Olmoti, Sombetini, Elerai, Sakina, Ngarenaro and Levolosi. The overall winner stands to get 2m/- and a trophy; the second winner gets 1m/- and the third 500,000/-.
Most disciplined team will also be awarded 500,000/-, while the best player stands to pocket 200,000/- for his troubles in playing smart. For this year, the Muungano Cup starts with soccer but in the coming years other games will be included in the lineup. “From next year, we intend to bring aboard, athletics, netball, basketball, tug of war and other types of sports in order to ensure the participation of more people,” Maneno said.