By Our Correspondent

The management of seven-time champions of the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL, Enugu Rangers International FC have gotten a new bus in preparation for their FIFA Invitational Tournament, Bestchoicesports.com.ng reports.

Rangers and NPFL current champions, Enyimba are the two clubs selected by the world football governing body to take part in the FIFA Post Covid-19 Intercontinental Tournament.

General Manager, Rangers FC, Prince Owumi described the new acquisition as an answer to part of FIFA and W.H.O requirements on social and physical distancing for football teams in the fight against the global pandemic, Covid-19.

The vehicles include a 52-seater Mercedes-Benz ‘Mascarello’ luxury bus and 6-seater Toyota Sienna XLE bus for officials to add to the 28-seater Toyota Coaster bus that the club has been using.

Prince Owumi while unveiling the new acquisitions to the management team, said, “We are proud of our new acquisitions and hope that it would be a great motivation for both players and coaches as we prepare for the FIFA Post Covid-19 Football Tournament and other competitions lined up for us in the coming seasons.

“All thanks to our dear governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who is always there for all our requests.”

The club has also commenced decontamination of its players’ camp, training camp, players bus, gym and physiotherapy equipment as they await the return of their players and officials in obedience to NCDC health protocols for resumption of sporting activities.

Popularity in the African continent is principally the criteria for the selection of the teams, to participate in the tournament.

Esperance of Tunisia, Al Ahly of Egypt, Kaiser Chiefs of South Africa, TP Mazembe of Congo DR and Accra Hearts of Oak of Ghana are also listed for the tournament scheduled to hold on home and away format.

Zamalek of Egypt, Orlando Pirates of South Africa, Kampala City Club KCC of Uganda, Zesco United of Zambia, El Merreikh of Sudan, Gor Mahia of Kenya, AS Vita of Congo,, Raja Casablanca and Wydad both of Morocco complete the list.

Such tournament, FIFA said, would be held in other continents but did not put a time frame.

The global football body only disclosed that the tournament would only take place ‘when it is safe for fans to return to the stadium’.

“The tournament will be held in each continent at the same time”, FIFA said. “It will last for a month with the tournament starting with group ties played over two legs.

“The money realised will be managed by FIFA who will in turn reward each club or representatives during an award to the Champions at its inauguration of inter club tournament in the Hall of Heroes in Zurich, Switzerland”.

Rangers narrowly missed out on continental slot in the 2019/2020 league season after Point Pee Game, PPG system adopted by the Club Owners put them out of contention for a slot in CAF Confederation Cup.