Lloyd Kim’s Big Day Finally Arrives as He Departs for Brazil

Lloyd Kim being presented with a sweater with Kenyan colours by his grandmother Joyce Mugambi before he left the country for Brazil

Kenya's COPA Coca-Cola star, Lloyd Kim departed the country for Brazil today morning where he will attend a one-week camp at the World Cup hosting nation. The 14-year-old left in the wee hours of the morning in the company of three other COPA players from Uganda and Tanzania.

The JMJ Academy player will join over 120 players from more than 24 countries for a one week global camp at the world renowned NR camp, approximately 160 kilometers from Arena de Sao Paolo, the stadium that will host the 2014 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony.

“I can’t believe this day has finally come. I am excited beyond explanation and can’t wait to get to Brazil and fly my nation’s flag high,” said a jovial Kim who was escorted to the airport by his mother Fridah Gaceri, his grandmother and his siblings.

While at the camp, the class 8 pupil and his colleagues will get football training focused on Brazilian skills as well as engage in cultural and sport activities as they exchange their experiences and share their love for the beautiful game.

“We have prepared an exciting and comprehensive program for the boys that will ensure they fully experience the rich culture of Brazil while at the same time engage in a football program that will improve them as players,” said Christine Maina, Coca-Cola Central, East and West Africa Marketing Assets Manager.

“We will miss him. But that is alright because he is making a big step in his football career,” said Kim’s grandmother Joyce Mugambi as she presented him with a knitted pullover dazzling with Kenyan colours.

Lloyd Kim from Kenya (right)Ali Mabuyu of Tanzania (centre) and Juma Yusuf Ali from Zanzibar pose for a photo before the left for Brazil

The COPA players’ stay in Brazil will culminate into them watching LIVE the opening ceremony and the match between Brazil and Croatia which will take place at the Arena de Sao Paulo on Thursday June 12. Kim, a COPA Coca-Cola national finals winning captain and his colleagues will also get a chance to meet Brazil soccer legend and 1994 World Cup winner Bebeto.

They will also be involved in social projects where they will help Coca-Cola leave an important legacy at Dom Bosco, a center that offers cultural and social activities to more than 1,000 kids before they head back home on June 15th.

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