Gor Mahia to open Coal City Cup against Brazilian side as two Nigerian giants loom in their path

Gor Mahia to open Coal City Cup against Brazilian side as two Nigerian giants loom in their path

Festus Chuma 10:20 - 15.07.2024

K'Ogalo will start their Coal City Cup campaign against Brazilian top-flight side followed by matches against top Nigerian clubs.

Record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia are set to open their campaign at the prestigious Coal City International Cup against Brazilian heavyweights Sport Club Corinthians Paulista on August 2, in Enugu, Nigeria.

The tournament, organized by the Enugu State government, will run from August 1 to August 11, featuring some of the most prominent clubs from Nigeria and other international teams.

Gor Mahia's fixture list has been confirmed, and after their opener against Corinthians, they will face Remo Stars of Ogun State on August 4, followed by a clash against Kano Pillars on August 6.

These matches are crucial as the top four teams from the preliminary rounds will advance to the semifinals scheduled for August 8 and 9, leading up to the final on August 11.

The inclusion of Corinthians, who replaced Esporte Clube Vitoria, adds a high-profile Brazilian flair to the tournament, setting up a David vs. Goliath scenario for the Kenyan side in their first game.

Financial incentives are also significant, with Gor Mahia guaranteed an appearance fee of N5 million (approximately Ksh478,000) per match.

This ensures that each participating club will earn a minimum of N15 million (around Ksh1.4 million) after playing at least three matches.

The grand prize is particularly enticing, with the champion slated to take home N50 million (about Ksh4.7 million), and the runner-up earning N10 million (around Ksh954,000).

Aside from the financial benefits and high stakes, the Coal City International Cup provides Gor Mahia and other participating teams an excellent platform for international exposure.

Competing against teams like FC Kallon of Sierra Leone and Cotton FC from the Republic of Benin, along with Nigeria's own Enugu Rangers and Enyimba of Aba, the tournament is a showcase of footballing talent across Africa and beyond.

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