KUCHING: Football takes centre stage this Lunar New Year as the 5th Chinese Lunar New Year Kirin Cup kicks off at Arena Cascara Stadium from January 24 to 25, featuring eight teams from Singapore and across Malaysia.
Jointly organised by Hipmau Football Club and iHUB Football Club, the tournament will see teams from Pulau Pinang, Selangor, Kedah, Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Pahang and host Sarawak battle it out against a visiting Singaporean side in a two-day football showcase.
Now in its fifth edition, the Kirin Cup has grown into a competitive regional fixture, offering players a platform to test themselves against top community sides while strengthening football ties within the Chinese sporting fraternity.
Adding extra bite to this year’s action is the introduction of a veterans’ category for players aged 40 and above, giving seasoned campaigners the chance to roll back the years and share the spotlight with younger teams.
Off the pitch, the tournament will blend football with festive elements, incorporating cultural activities to create a lively Lunar New Year atmosphere and encourage interaction among players, officials and supporters.
Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Deputy Minister, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, is expected to officiate the opening ceremony, adding further prestige to the event.
Group A comprises Perak Chinese Veterans, Beluga FC, Islanders FC and Old Madrid FC, while Group B features Derga FC, Xin Hua FC, PJ Legend FC and Hipmau FC.
For enquiries, contact organising committee chairman, Kho Hua Pheng, at 019-8579258 or event chief planner Joseph Tan at 019-8572033.
