MONROVIA—The inaugural Bettomax Champions Cup is set to kick off this Saturday, August 23 at Tusa Field in Gardnersville, marking a new chapter for Liberian football.
By Christopher C. Walker 0777898224/0886723075 [email protected]
Eight of the country’s top clubs will compete for the championship title and a top prize of US$10,000.
The organizer says all 16 tournament matches will be played at a single venue, with every participating team guaranteed a share of the prize money.
Teams and Opening Day Showdowns
The eight clubs vying for the title are Heaven Eleven, Watanga FC, Discoveries FC, Bea Mountain, Freeport FC, Paynesville FC, Global Pharma and Black Man Warriors.
The opening day will feature two Group A matches. Heaven Eleven, last season’s league runners-up and the most prolific attacking side with 47 goals in 26 games, will face Black Man Warriors, who secured a late entry into the tournament.
Their spot became available after league champions FC Fassell withdrew due to overseas travel commitments. The second match of the day will see Paynesville FC take on Bea Mountain.
On Sunday, Group B action begins with Watanga FC, who finished third last season, facing Freeport FC. Freeport received a last-minute invitation to replace LPRC Oilers.
The second fixture pits Global Pharma against Discoveries FC.
According to the organizer, the format is straightforward: the top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals. The final will be held on September 7, with the losers of the semifinals competing for third place.
A New Vision for Liberian Football
The tournament has had its share of last-minute changes, with both FC Fassell and LISCR FC withdrawing. Their absences opened the door for Black Man Warriors and Freeport FC.
Despite the shakeup, organizers believe the competition will raise standards. An official from the Liberia Football Association (LFA) told FrontPage Africa, “This tournament is not just about trophies and cash, it’s about making the league more competitive.”
The official also noted that the Cup is expected to help reduce late-season match-fixing concerns.
By reserving entry to the tournament for the top eight teams, clubs now have an added incentive to fight for a strong finish. Even the eighth-place team is guaranteed US$2,000 in participation fees for the Cup.
The Bettomax Champions Cup is the result of a landmark three-year sponsorship deal between Bettomax Liberia and the LFA.
The betting company, which already sponsors Watanga FC and women’s side Shaita Angels, also makes monthly charitable donations to hospitals and social institutions.
“This partnership is more than business. Football is what unites Liberians, and we see it as our duty to invest in its growth,” said Fallah Briama, Bettomax Operational Manager.
Cash Rewards
Every team is guaranteed a cash prize. Champions get US$10,000, runners-Up: US$5,000, third place: US$3,500, fourth Place: US$3,000 and other participants: US$2,000 each
The Bettomax Champions Cup aims to elevate Liberian football by rewarding excellence and promoting financial stability for clubs. Over the next two weeks, all eyes will be on Tusa Field to see which team will make history as the first-ever champion.
