GREAT START FOR MUPC

MSSK KEDAH and SMK Pulau Nyior were the first two teams to clinch a berth in the NIKE-FAM-Ministry of Education Manchester United Premier Cup (MUPC) National Finals in Kuala Lumpur on May 15.In the first leg competition in Penang last Sunday, MSSK Kedah defeated SMK Pulau Nyior 4-3 on penalty kicks after a goalless game.">

The MUPC Cup inaugurated in 1993, has a total of 128 teams taking part this year.The top two teams from the four legs qualify for the final round.The winner of the National final will represent Malaysia in the regional finals to be held in Sri Racha Thailand from June 14. “I am very happy to be given a chance to play in this tournament and am proud that MSSK Kedah are the champions. We hope we can do well in the National Finals in Kuala Lumpur”, said Muhamad Syafiq Ahmad who won the top scorer award with 7 goals. (With legend Dato M Chandran)

The Manchester United Premier Cup Tournament is the biggest international youth football tournament in the world. Global superstars who have participated in the tournament and were spotted by international talent scouts include Fernando Torres, Carlos Tevez, Robinho and Fransesc Fabregas.On the local scene, the Malaysian National Team members Aidil and Zaquan Abdul Razak as well as Khairil Muhymeen are proud products of this event."

It is the hope of NIKE that this tournament will serve as a viable ground for the discovery of local talent that can be further developed for competing in the international scene."Another 32 teams will be competing in Kuantan on April 24 and 25 followed by Johor on 1- 2 May, Kuala Lumpur 8-9 May to qualify for the National Finals in Kuala Lumpur."NIKE and the FAM see this tournament as an invaluable stage in Malaysia’s football development.

It is an important step in the right direction as participation has seen an increase each year and the youngsters look to it as a perfect opportunity to showcase their ability and to dream to be an elite global footballer” said Menaha Nadaraja, Country Marketing Manager of NIKE Malaysia.