GANGTOK, March 07: Santos Football Club of South Africa has withdrawn from the exhibition match to be played against Baichung XI in a special match planned here on March 9.
According to a press release issued by Sikkim Football Association, the South African Club withdrew from the match after confirmation and receiving an advance sum of Rs 5.99 lakhs.
“Citing domestic commitment, this matter is being dealt separately after appraising the All India Football Federation and the South Africa Embassy, the release added.
However, the special football match dedicated as a curtain raiser to the international flower festival as the SFA’s effort to the accomplishment of the positive vision of the Chief Minister, will be played between Baichung XI and Chirag India Limited on March 9.
The match to be played here at Paljor Stadium at 1.15 pm with the Chief Minister as the chief guest will have players in Baichung XI like Renedy Singh, NP Pradeep, Chritain Dias, Gurumindra Singh and above all Sunil Chettri led by the National Captain himself.
“Governor Sudarshan Agarwal is hosting a High Tea to both the teams at the Raj Bhawan, Gangtok on March 9 at 4.30pm in honour of Padma Shri Bhaichung Bhutia,” the release informed.
Stating that SFA does not want to “disturb the balance sheet of the government exchequer every time to hold the event, the release informed that the association has planned to raise fund from its esteem patrons, sponsors, by way of advertisement rights and by levying nominal entry fee from the spectators.
“School students in their respective School Uniforms are kept out of this preview so that they are motivated to achieve similar heights,” the release said.
Interestingly, the highlight of the day would remain the programme of felicitating Indian Skipper, Baichung Bhutia on being recently conferred with the Padma Shri.
“The other State Sports Associations who may like to felicitate the Football Icon individually will able to do so at a Dinner on 9th March, 2008 at 6.30pm at Hotel Tashi Delek which is being coordinated by Sikkim Football Association,” the release added.
http://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-5.htm
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