Hearts To Lead Africans For Diamond Trophy

African Super champions, Hearts of Oak will lead three other African clubs, who have been invited to play in a six-team tournament in the United Arab Emirates for a diamond studded trophy and a prize of US$550,000.

Hearts of Oak, Morocco's Raja Casablanca and two Egyptian sides, either El Ahly, Zamalek or Ismailia have been named to join the host club, Al-Wehda and Saudi side, Al Hilal for the May 10 kick-off.

After the final on May 25, the winners will receive the top prize of US$270,000 and the runner-up US$140,000, but all the teams will receive an additional US$30,000 for simply appearing in the tournament.

Most of the teams have not confirmed whether they will be available, due to the fixture congestion in Africa this year. It is believed, however, that the UAE have actually put up close to US$1 million to attract the clubs.

El Ahly, meanwhile have given their initial approval, but are awaiting confirmation from the Egyptian Football Association.

Hearts of Oak are also looking at their fixtures in both the domestic and international arenas, with the defence of their African title and the World Club championship in July in mind.