Kolkata, the soccer mad town of cricket crazy India, is
ready to carry another massive soccer event involving the game`s legends Dec
eight when yesteryears` greats from Brazil and alternative powerhouses clash at
the Salt Lake stadium here, the organizers declared weekday.
The match involving Brazilian Masters and Sports Ministers
Legends would see in action soccer celebrities from the resident nation like
Carlos Dunga, Robeto Carlos, Bebeto, Cafu, Juninho Paulista, Mario Silva and
Zetti.
Among those that have confirmed their participation for the
Sports Ministers Legends are the Colbian couple of goalkeeper Rene Higuieta and
carlos Valderamma, the promoters Omnibus - a happening management and
management consultancy company - said.
Among alternative players who are being tapped for the
Sports Ministers Legends are David Beckham, Luis Figo and Zinedine Zidane,
though none of them has confirmed up to now.
"We can announce some massive names part by introduce
the approaching days," Jimmy Olsson of Omnibus told media persons.
To ensure exposure to young talents, each group can embrace
some under-19 players chosen from across the country. "The Sports
Ministers Legends may additionally have some players from Bengal," the
organizers said.
As per the schedule necessitated, the two sides hold open
practice apply sessions Dec 7, besides participating during a charity dinner, and
visiting schools and organizations just like the Missionaries of Charity.
However, Olsson admitted they were nevertheless to induce
the ultimate nod from the Union Sports Ministry, which is necessary for
arranging games involving foreign players.
The promoters said if the venture was victorious, a lot of
such matches would be held in future, and even an academy may return up with
help from the Brazilian masters.
Dunga, who was present at the media meet, said he was
eagerly awaiting the match.
"There are many players who have competed along
throughout their taking part in career and will be taking part together another
time once an extended time. I'm simply waiting for the eighth of December for
the match and so we are going to have an enormous party."
West Bengal Sports Minister Madan Mitra said the authorities
would supply all infrastructural support.
The tickets would be priced between Rs.300 and Rs.1500.
The organizers commit to sell broadcast rights of the match
across the world, however were circumspect about live coverage, because of
bandwidth problem and with the sport incompatible with the India-England test
match at the Eden Gardens.
If the match comes through, it'd solely be a continuation of
Kolkata`s tryst of hosting soccer legends. Within the past, footballers like
Pele, Diego Maradona, Lothar Matthaus, Oliver Kahn, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge,
Ottmar Hitzfeld, Gerd Muller, Romario, Ruud Gullit and Branco have all mesmerized
the city with their presence.
Though all of them came to town abundant after their
retirement, Uruguayan star Diego Forlan came to town to participate during a
soccer talent hunt show simply weeks once turning into the golden ball winner
within the 2010 world cup.
Brazilian star Zico had return because the coach of Japan`s
national side for a pre-World Cup game, whereas Cameroon`s Roger Milla -
adjudged the most effective African player of the last century - compete an
exhibition match months after his sparkling performance at the 1990 world cup.
Last September, the city hosted the country`s initial ever
FIFA friendly match when soccer sensation Lionell Messi-led Argentina clashed
against Venezuela at the Salt Lake stadium. The Argentines won the encounter
courtesy a second-half header by Porto centre-half Nicolas Otamendi.
