Ballers Empire crowned Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” national champions

By Michelangelo Jacobus

Ballers Empire produced a commanding display in the early hours of Saturday morning to defeat Leopold Street 2-1 and capture the Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” National Championship title at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac, Homestretch Avenue.
Backed by an energetic crowd estimated at more than 1200 spectators, the reigning East Bank/West Demerara zone champions walked away with the $1 million first prize following an entertaining night of street-football action which stretched beyond 02:30h.
Ballers Empire, led by standout performers Solomon Austin, Adrian Aaron and in-form campaigner Bevney Marks, capped off an impressive run by outclassing a determined Leopold Street side in the final. In doing so, he furthered his reputation as one of the most successful players on the small-goal circuit in recent times, adding another major title to his growing collection.

The champions controlled possession for large spells of the contest through composed ball control and crisp passing, pinning Leopold Street deep inside their own half for extended periods. Despite being placed under pressure, Leopold Street remained dangerous on the counterattack, with their fleet-footed forwards threatening whenever opportunities arose.
Ballers Empire struck first before Leopold Street responded with an equaliser, sparking loud celebrations from their sizeable following. However, Ballers Empire regained the lead in the second half and managed the remainder of the contest effectively to seal the national crown.
Earlier in the semi-final round, Ballers Empire overcame Georgetown side Bent Street B 2-1 after dominating most of the encounter. Bent Street B attempted a late fightback, but Ballers Empire maintained control to secure their place in the championship match.
Leopold Street, meanwhile, needed penalty kicks to edge Supenaam All-Stars after a tense scoreless draw in regulation time. Supenaam pushed Leopold Street onto the backfoot for lengthy periods and created several opportunities but failed to capitalise. The Georgetown champions converted one of their two penalty attempts while Supenaam missed both efforts.

The quarter-final stage produced several competitive clashes. Bent Street B opened the knockout round with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Linden representatives Swag Entertainment.
Supenaam All-Stars then secured a narrow 1-0 win against Ballers United of Berbice in a tightly contested affair.
Ballers Empire began their campaign with a 3-1 triumph over Island All-Stars of Georgetown. Although they appeared slightly rusty in their first outing since winning the East Bank/West Demerara zone a year ago, they gradually settled into rhythm and advanced comfortably.
Leopold Street survived a late scare before defeating Mighty Ruler of Bartica 3-2. After establishing control for most of the encounter and leading 3-0 deep into the game, Leopold conceded a golden goal in the closing minutes, with the special rule counting goals scored in the final three minutes as two. Mighty Ruler mounted late pressure, but time ran out as Leopold Street held on to advance.
In the third-place playoff, Bent Street B defeated Supenaam All-Stars 2-1 on penalty kicks after both teams finished locked at 1-1 in regulation time. Supenaam again created chances but were unable to finish clinically, while Bent Street B continued their impressive run as one of the tournament’s surprise performers.
At the presentation ceremony, Ballers Empire collected the championship trophy and the $1 million top prize. Leopold Street received $400,000 for finishing second, Bent Street B earned $200,000 for placing third, while Supenaam All-Stars pocketed $100,000 for fourth place.

National Championship Results
Quarterfinals
Bent Street B 3-1 Swag Entertainment
Supenaam All-Stars 1-0 Ballers United
Ballers Empire 3-1 Island All-Stars
Leopold Street 3-2 Mighty Ruler
Semi-finals
Ballers Empire 2-1 Bent Street B
Leopold Street 0-0 Supenaam All-Stars (Leopold won 1-0 on penalties)
Third Place
Bent Street B 1-1 Supenaam All-Stars (Bent Street B won 2-1 on penalties)
Final
Ballers Empire 2-1 Leopold Street