Big three to go pro

VEK demand for professional league By Peter Ekarot Uganda's three big soccer clubs, Villa, Express and KCC have resolved to write to FUFA requesting the federation to look into the possibility of introducing a local professional league. The three giants, united by an association called VEK, also decried certain clauses in the Nile Special Super League contract which they said were prohibitive. "There are many sponsors out there ready to support these clubs but the contractual obligations FUFA acceded to when signing the five year sponsorship deal block them out," VEK chairman Kavuma Kabenge said at a press conference at Nakivubo stadium yesterday. Kabenge said that as major stake holders VEK was also going to create a prospect in local soccer that looks beyond amateurs football. "A professional league is one area VEK wants FUFA to look into," he said He added: "In reality, Ugandan clubs are spending a lot of money building the game. "VEK thanks Nile Breweries for its support of soccer development in Uganda, however in so doing, we want Nile Breweries to open up the football industry and let the support not be restricted." The annual VEK cup kicks off at Nakivubo stadium on Monday with KCC taking on holders SC Villa. Express face KCC on Tuesday before facing Villa the day after. The final of the tournament will be December 22 at Nakivubo. It will be preceded by a match between VEK XI and USPA team. The top prize is sh1m, the runners up get sh0.5m and the tailenders will get sh250,000. Ends