Ronaldinho ready for Islands Cup Open 2017
Nets will surely shake in the 2017 Islands Cup Open as Brazilian superstar and former FIFA player of the year Ronaldinho has announced his participation in the tournament.
Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Caribbean Football Trust Ltd. (CFTL), Chris Anderson-Joyeau, made the announcement over the weekend with a 30-second promo video showing the dazzling playmaker stating to the world that he is ready for the tournament, which starts in September.
“After months of hard work and meeting, I am pleased to announce that Brazilian great and football legend Ronaldinho is on board and a huge supporter of the project,” said Anderson-Joyeau. “This speaks volumes to what we are hoping to achieve not only for Caribbean football, but for us a people when a player of his calibre wants to be part of what we are doing and sees the potential of the region in producing talent.”
Ronaldinho is just one of several marquee players who will be on showcase as players for the respective franchises and fans can look forward to the likes of Emile Hesky, Momo Sissoko, Nuno Manihe, Gilberto Silva, Feranado Cavenaghi, Rivaldo and Luca Toni, to name a few.
“We will announce more signings in the coming weeks, but we are very excited at the responses of these stars and the willingness to compete in the Caribbean,” added Anderson-Joyeau.
The Islands Cup Open 2017 is a charitable event to launch the Caribbean “Kick Poverty Out” campaign and introduce the region to an exciting sports entertainment concept developed by the CFTL.
The Islands Cup Open is sanctioned by the Grenada Football Association (GFA), Dominica Football Association (DFA), the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF), the Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA) and the Suriname Football Association/Bond (SVB) where the games will be hosted.
In addition, the Caribbean players will be provided with great monetary incentives, which are estimated at US$3 000 monthly at the low end and up to US$25 000 and $30 000. Guaranteed medical and health insurance coverage would also be available for players during this inaugural year. Players who were recruited from clubs for the tournament, the clubs would receive 20 per cent of the funds payable to the specific players.