FC Moscow and MFC Kosice visit PE for EC Soccer Challenge

FC MOSCOW‘S Slovak international Martin Jakubko is looking forward to facing local footballers in the Eastern Cape Soccer Challenge that begins at the EPRU Stadium in Port Elizabeth today.
The 194cm-tall striker, on his first visit to South Africa, said he hoped this would not be the last time he visited the country.
“This is a beautiful country, but very far from home. I do hope I will be back here next year for the World Cup,” he said. His dream is likely to come true as his national team currently leads its group in the qualifying stages for the world tournament.
“I am looking forward to testing myself against the African players. I have unfortunately not had the opportunity to watch too much of South African football other than in the African Cup of Nations. What I know, though, is that South African players are strong and can run very fast, so it‘s going to be quite a challenge for us against them,” he said.
Jakubko will be one of the players to watch for when Bay United, Jomo Cosmos, Slovakian side MFK Kosice (currently placed fourth in the Slovak league), and FC Moscow meet in the tournament. FC Moscow coach Miroslav Bozovic, who has been at the club‘s helm for only a month, indicated that the tournament was a great opportunity for preparations for the commencement of the Russian league.
“I have brought a very strong side of 24 players, and we will be playing to win the tournament. The conditions here in South Africa are very good for our preparations for the Russian national championships,” he said.
Although both FC Moscow and Kosice are in the region to concentrate on football, both sides are looking forward to going on a safari that has been organised for the two sides at the weekend.
Charlie Jantjies, of tournament organisers GA Sport, said it was hoped that the tournament would have a great impact on the readiness of Port Elizabeth to host the 2010 World Cup, and would also have economic value for the metro. The clubs will be visiting local schools and soccer clubs to hold coaching clinics for soccer players and referees during their stay.
The tournament kicks off tonight with Jomo Cosmos taking on Kosice at 6pm, and Bay United and FC Moscow following at 8.15pm for the first of four days of matches. Other games will take place on Thursday this week and again on January 27, with the final on January 29.