2009 MTN Top 4 soccer tourney launched

Accra, Aug 13, GNA - The Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) has launched the 2009 MTN Top Four soccer tourney in Accra on Thursday The competition which is scheduled to kick-off at the Ohene Djan and Baba Yara Stadia in Accra and Kumasi on Sunday, August 23 brings together Accra Hearts of Oak, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Kpando Heart of Lions and King Faisal.

It has a prize money of 12,000 Ghana cedis for the winners with the runners-up earning 8,000 Ghana cedis.

Emmanuel Adotey, Chairman of GHALCA told the media at the launch that the "Phobians" and the "Porcupine Warriors" will be staging their search for a third trophy while a second Top Four appearance beckons Lions and Faisal.

Hearts and Kotoko are worth 22,000 Ghana cedis each as their participating fees with Lions and Faisal getting 20,500 Ghana cedis each.

According to the Chairman of GHALCA, the four teams have the luxury of fielding five guest players each in the tourney that spans August 23-September 20.

Touching on the sharing of the gate proceeds, Mr Adotey said "unless otherwise agreed upon by all parties, all net gate proceeds will have the home team getting 35 percent with 30 percent going to the away team.

"GHALCA, the organizers will get 25 percent with the National Sports Council (NSC) and the Ghana Football Association earning five percent each."

Clubs are mandated to register two colours as their home and away jerseys respectively in the tourney with fans expected to part with three Ghana cedis at the Popular Stand. The Osu Stand in Accra and Center line in Kumasi is valued at five Ghana cedis, Lower VIP seven Ghana cedis and Upper VIP going for ten Ghana cedis. 13 Aug. 09