Former Liverpool star Jason McAteer lands in Kenya for this major event

Liverpool FC legend Jason McAteer has arrived in Kenya to headline the 7th edition of the Standard Chartered Cup, set to take place this Saturday at St. Mary’s School, Nairobi.

McAteer, who represented Liverpool in the English Premier League from 1995 to 1999, will join over 1,000 football fans to cheer on 40 participating teams. Among them NMG’s Nation FC, part of a diverse lineup of players from corporate entities, SME banking clients, Liverpool fans, and media partners.

“I’m delighted to be in Kenya for the first time. I have travelled the world now over the past five years for the Standard Chartered Cup. SC Cup has taken me all over the world and it has been amazing,” said McAteer after landing on Friday at JKIA

“So to get the opportunity to come to Kenya, I was really, really excited. I’m not sure whether we’ll have time for a safari, because I know Kenya is famous for safari but maybe Monday.”

The tournament will feature 280 amateur players divided into eight groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stages.

Nation FC is in Group H alongside Kenya Airways B, Radio Africa Group, CFAO Mobility and Wananchi Group A.

The Standard Chartered Cup, the bank’s flagship futsal event, is a celebration of its partnership with Liverpool FC. The tournament is open exclusively to amateur players, emphasizing friendly competition and the spirit of teamwork.

The champions will earn an unforgettable reward: an all-expenses-paid trip to Anfield, Liverpool FC’s legendary stadium. In May 2025, they’ll witness the high-stakes Premier League clash between Liverpool and Arsenal. Their trip includes a training session at the Liverpool FC Academy led by an LFC legend, a behind-the-scenes tour of Anfield’s historic museum, and a visit to The Beatles Story exhibit.

“The winners will win a trip to Anfield. So they will come and visit Liverpool and they will see the famous Anfield, get to play on the pitch, which is an amazing experience. I’ve done that many times.. And then they’ll obviously enjoy the hospitality that Liverpool put on. So it’s always a really, really good day for the winners.”

“We have got 40 teams that are partcipating in SC Cup; may the best team win. We will enjoy bringing the winners to Anfield that’s always a special day.”

On Sunday, McAteer will join Liverpool FC fans in Nairobi to watch a match against Manchester City.

“We [Liverpool FC] have got the big game against Manchester City so I’m sure we will make lots of noise,” he said.

He said he will be adorned in in traditional dress as I have no clothes that’s what they can expect.

Jason McAteer’s Football Legacy

McAteer began his professional career at Bolton Wanderers, where he played a pivotal role in the team’s promotion to Division One. His performances caught Liverpool’s attention, and he joined the Reds ahead of the 1995/96 season after facing them in the League Cup Final with Bolton. Following his stint at Liverpool, McAteer moved to Blackburn Rovers, continuing his career at the top level.

As a Liverpool ambassador, McAteer’s presence at the tournament highlights the enduring connection between the Reds and their fans worldwide.