KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Chinese Football Association (MCFA) will be hosting the 71st edition of the MCFA CUP from August 9 to 11 in Kampar, Perak.
The MCFA Cup is one of the oldest tournaments in the nation, as it was first held in 1948.
After the MCFA league rounds, Penang emerged as champions of the Northern Zone, while Perak emerged as runners-up to qualify for the semifinals.
In the Southern Zone, Selangor emerged as champions and Negri Sembilan as runners-up, also reaching the semi-finals.
Penang will take on Negri Sembilan in the first semi-final, while Selangor will play Perak in the second semi-final.
The tournament rules require a minimum of three under-21 players to be in the first-11 for the full duration of the match, and teams are allowed to field players of other ethnic groups besides Chinese players.
The prize money for the champions is RM7,000, RM4,000 for the runners-up, and the third and fourth place teams will receive RM 2,000 each.
Defending champions Kedah defeated Selangor in the finals last year but failed to qualify for this year’s semi-final.
Penang hold the record for winning the tournament the most times at 15 time, the last being in 2013. Selangor have won 13 times and their last win was in 2022.
Meanwhile, Perak won the championship nine times, after Singapore (10 times). Negri have only won it four times.
Meanwhile, MCFA, in collaboration with the FA of Malaysia, is organising a football seminar on Saturday (August 10) at the Grand Kampar Hotel, where it is compulsory for all state secretaries, team managers, and coaches to attend the seminar.
“In this tournament, we witness the power of unity as players from different backgrounds, cultures, and states come together with a shared passion – ready to showcase their extraordinary abilities.
“Here, the game transcends language, race, and borders – uniting us in a common language understood by all. A language of relentless effort, camaraderie, and determination.
“Since the tournament began in June, we have witnessed unforgettable moments, breathtaking goals, and displays of sheer brilliance that have etched memories.
“I strongly believe that as the tournament moves to its final stages, we are going to witness even more exciting days in Kampar,” said MCFA president Datuk Jeffrey Low. – August 7, 2024