- Vladmir Smicer was in Kenya to help launch the new partnership
- Smicer is mostly remembered for the ‘Miracle of Istanbul’
- He scored one of the three goals in Liverpool’s comeback
Liverpool legend, Vladmir Smicer, remembered for the part he played in the ‘Miracle of Istanbul’, where Liverpool came from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 with AC Milan and go on to clinch the Champions League trophy is in Kenya this weekend.
Smicer is in Kenya courtesy of an invite from Liverpool sponsors Standardr Chartered Bank, and he has been in the country helping them launch a partnership with a local football Academy.
Smicer scored the second goal for Liverpool after Steven Gerrard started the comeback, with Xabi Alonso equalizing in what is now an iconic game in modern football history.
“It was crazy and one of the best moments of my football career. I will never forget that night in Istanbul,” Smicer recalled, speaking to Sports Leo.
Program aimed to grow Kenyan talent
He officiated Standard Chartered Bank’s partnership with the Diamond Football League, which is aimed to grow Kenyan talent. Diamond Football Club will organise a series of football clinics and tournaments for over 600 boys and girls.
“As a bank, we are keen to develop football talent within our country and beyond. This program will offer equal opportunities to both boys and girls giving them a chance to express themselves and realise their true football potential,” said Paul Njoki, Head of Affluent Banking and Wealth Management in Kenya & East Africa, Standard Chartered.
He added, “We will also leverage our partnership with Liverpool Football Club to help these young players set their eyes on playing in the big league.” Liverpool legend Vladimir Smicer joined the young players in a football clinic at Farasi Lane venue.
The first boys and girl’s tournament involving the Under 11 years and Under 13 categories will be held in February 2023 while the second boys and girl’s tournament for the Under 15 years & Under 17 years categories will be held in September 2023.
The first tournament (one for boys and one for girls) to be held in February 2023 will serve 2 age groups (Under 11 & Under 13).
The second tournament (one for boys and one for girls) to be held in September 2023 will serve 2 age groups (Under 15 & Under 17).
Enhance training experiences
Speaking during the launch, Diamond Football Club Director Sagar Lakhani said, “The partnership with Standard Chartered Bank will assist us organize a football tournament and enhance training experiences to push the teens to a whole new football level.”
He adds; “Guided by our principles of training intelligence, nurturing confidence and inspiring effort which also intertwines with the Bank’s ambition in the country and beyond will give the teens a chance of football expression to greater heights. This is an opportune time to enable the kids realize their true football potential and we thank the bank in partnering with the club.”
Smicer said he was delighted to be part of such a project.
“Football development is always great from a young age and I am really happy to be part of this. It is a great initiative with Standard Chartered and I hope it will play a role in improving football in Kenya,” Smicer said.
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