Jawula promises more FA Cup fireworks
The chairman of the MTN FA Cup Committee (FACC), Lepowura M.N.D Jawula, expects an improvement in the quality of football following the introduction of the 16 Premier League clubs in the Round of 64 stage of the competition.
The preliminary round of the 2013/2014 edition of the competition was reserved for first and second division clubs, but Alhaji Jawula believes that the elite clubs will generate more interest in the contest with their professionalism and appeal.
“With the Premier League clubs joining the Round of 64, everybody will know that the cup is near and more seriousness will come into play with players from the lower tier coming out to prove their mettle against the Premier clubs because if they play well they can be seen and move to bigger clubs,” he said.
Last Wednesday’s draw, which was supervised by the FACC chairman, produced some interesting match-ups, including defending champions, Medeama SC, travelling to face Score FC, two-time losing finalist, Kotoko, will play the winner of a disciplinary hearing between Tamale Liberty and Wiaga United, Hearts of Oak versus Gold Stars, Ashantigold versus B.A. United, Inter Allies will host Berlin FC, while Tudu Mighty Jets face Mepe United.
In the other pairings, Tarkwa United engage Heart of Lions, Rospack FC meet Right To Dream, Bubiashie Charity Stars face Liberty Professionals, winner of Dahwenya FC-Royal Faith dispute play Bazooka FC, Metro SC host Atebubu Esperance, New Edubiase United play Bolga Man City, Ebusua Dwarfs clash with First Klass FC, Future Stars welcome Tano Bofoakwa, Okwawu United versus Real Atletico and the winner of the postponed match between Bolga All Stars and Crystal Palace will face Believers FC.
In the other matches, former champions Nania FC will play DC United, Aduana Stars play the winner of a disciplinary hearing between Asokwa Deportivo and Dunkwa United, King Faisal Babies clash with Tuobodom Santos, Real Tamale United play UCC Youngstars, Feyenoord Academy host Wa All Stars, Red Lions FC against Binduri United, Berekum Chelsea welcomes Wenchi United, Starke FC play Hasaacas, Kessewa Int. FC collide with Kotoku Royals, Prestige FC against Istanbul FC, Amidaus Professionals versus Danbort FC, Sampa United play Bagojet FC, Tumu Happy Stars clash with Tema United, Dolphines FC versus Guan United, Pure Joy against Ajax FC and Bechem United versus Cape Coast Strikers.
All games would take place between December 18-23.