Airtel unveils African Rising Stars Championship

The championships take place from 20-25 August 2012 in Nairobi, Kenya. The tournament will comprise of a preliminary qualifying round, a knockout round and a final. A draw will be conducted in Nairobi on the 15 August to determine the group stage fixtures. The format of the under 17 tournament will give both boys' and girls' teams the chance to assess their team work and individual skills against some of the best nations In Africa.

The championship will attract teams from Ghana, Nigeria, Zambia, DRC, Gabon, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Burkina Faso amongst others.

The Airtel Africa championships will be officially opened by Kenya's Prime Minister, Raila Odinga and will be graced by ambassadors representing the other 14 nations that will be participating. It is expected that over 500 rising stars will travel to Nairobi courtesy of Airtel operations across the continent.

Speaking about the inaugural Africa Championships, Airtel Africa's chief marketing officer ,"The Airtel Africa Championship is a natural product of the exciting and dazzling skills which we have seen showcased in the on-going Airtel Rising Stars initiative. The tournament provides the perfect melting pot of talent, cultures and passion exhibited during the Airtel Rising across Africa."

"By designing a bigger stage for the teams and future stars, Airtel is sending a message to the participants, coaches, soccer enthusiasts on our long term support for sports and activities that empower and celebrate talent."

For more, go to ars-ke.airtel-football.com