THE biannual Meridian Cup, an under-17 soccer tournament involving four teams from Africa against four teams from Europe, kicks off in Cape Town on January 28 when South Africa play Ireland and defending champions Nigeria play Italy. Spain, Portugal, Ghana and Egypt are the other four countries involved, the organisers said. “This is one of the most valuable opportunities for tomorrow’s talent to showcase their soccer skills to the world, and to benefit from the rare experience of playing against challenging international opposition,” said Danny Jordaan, CEO of South Africa’s World Cup 2006 Bid Committee.