Thirty-two teams begin the hunt to be named the “Guinness Greatest of the Streets” tonight at California Square, East Ruimveldt.
Defending Georgetown Zone champions Sparta Boss will open up the defence of their title with a tough engagement against Albouystown-based Ol Skool Ballers.
The Spartans have been looking like a faded force over the past few futsal tournaments and will be looking to come out of the blocks in a dominant fashion.
The current “Kings” of local futsal, Future Stars, have made their mark on the sport over the past year racking up win after win, title after title and have the remarkable distinction of being present in the final of the last five futsal tournaments.
Their nemesis Goal is Money will also be looking to upstage the “Stars” having suffered defeats in the last two tournament finals. The Pedro clan that plays for Goal is Money can turn on the heat to devastating effect on any given day and will be looking to hold one over their rivals.
The Georgetown Zone of the Guinness Greatest of the Streets kicks off tonight
The opening night will see 10 fixtures between the best street futsal teams in Georgetown as the first night of group stage action begins. While sixteen teams secured automatic qualification some 80 odd teams battled it out last week in a bid for the sixteen remaining berths.
With the wolves separated from the sheep, the real clash begins with some teams already established as favourites. However the tournament has been known to be taken by storm with dark horses making their presence felt on the tarmac in previous editions.
The event will feature new rules. The most important addition will be occur in the final three minutes, as any goal scored during that period, will result in the team being awarded two goals. It is called a ‘Guinness Goal’.
Similarly, each team will only be allowed two fouls per half, with the third infraction and every foul thereafter, resulting in a penalty kick being awarded to the opposition.
Also, if any player intentionally kicks the ball outside of the arena, based on the judgment of the referee, that individual will have to leave the match for three minutes, effectively reducing their team to three players for that period.
Upon the conclusion of the group stage, the top two finishers from each pool, will advance to the round of 16 elimination section.
Winner of the overall event will walk-away with $500,000 and the championship trophy along with automatic qualification for the National Playoffs.
They will also receive champion uniforms for their participation in the National Playoffs. This will be afforded to all zone winners.
Similarly, the event winner will also secure a community based project that will be funded by Banks DIH Limited. On the other hand, the runner-up, third and fourth placed finishers will receive $250,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively.
