AMPANG: THE highly-popular Ulu Kelang Recreational Club (UKRC)-Astro International Soccer 9’s is finally back for another two days of gruelling action this weekend.
UKRC president Andrew Gopal said the club had initially planned to delay organising the tournament until next year but went ahead with its revival because of strong demand.
There has been a two-year lapse since the last edition of the tournament due to what has been a never-ending legal battle over the rights to the field and clubhouse which they have taken care of since 1958.
The competition which was first held more than 45 years ago will be held at the Ampang Drainage and Irrigation Department (JPS) pitch.
“We are very happy to be able to organise the event again,” said Andrew.
“It is an important tournament for us as it has provided a platform for veterans to keep active in the game.
“We had wanted to wait until at least February next year but many teams kept asking when we were going to do it, so we decided to go ahead.
“The support we have received has been tremendous.
“I think many people sympathise with us over what happened. Not a single sponsor has turned us down.”
However, Andrew said, there would not be an opening ceremony this year as the club wanted to reduce spending.
The event is set to be headlined by Pertamina FC of Indonesia, who won the tournament the last time it was held in 2011.
Also competing will be Indonesia’s Kwarta FC, Trisakti FC and Villa FC, the latter two making their first appearance in the competition.
On the local front, the formidable Uniplast FC and UKRC are expected to challenge for honours together with Reida FC and NUFA FC.
The teams will be divided into two groups, with the top two finishers from each group qualifying for the semi-finals.
Those which do not qualify will compete in the classification matches.