Bent Street, Sparta collide in tonight’s explosive semi-finals
– lucky fan to win Hero motorcycle
It took some time to reach this stage but it has finally arrived and a plethora of non-stop action is expected to treat the humongous turnout anticipated tonight at the National Gymnasium to witness the semi-finals of the Corona Futsal Tournament.
From thrills to spills, four teams remain and it is literally too close to call at the start – who will progress to the final on April 14.
Can Gregory Richardson use all his experience to help Sparta withstand Bent Street?
From 22:30h, Alpha Warriors and Leopold Street will duel. The latter are no strangers to this level of competition and will be buoyed knowing the talismanic Okeenie Fraser has shown great form throughout the tournament and will have support from talented players such as Eon Alleyne, Omallo Williams and Daren Benjamin.
Warriors, on the other hand, are a newly formed unit but with seasoned campaigners in the mix. Quietly, they have reached this stage and though Leopold on paper and track record start as favourites, they must be wary of the likes of Lennox Cort, new recruit Vurlon Mills, brothers Delroy and Delwin Fraser, along with Opara Benjamin.
Bent Street are the team who seem to be charging towards the title
The match of the night pits title favourites Bent Street and defending champions Sparta Boss from 23:15h. Well, its ultimately difficult to say who may have the edge in this unit as Bent Street has big names such as Daniel Wilson, Kelsey Benjamin, Ryan Hackett, Solomon Austin and Job Caesar, providing some serious artillery.
Even when they seemed down and out in the thrilling quarter-final against Tiger Bay, their power got them over the line.
On the other hand, an exodus of some core players has left Sparta not being the dominant unit of the past but young recruits such as Jeremy Garrett, Quincy Adams adds to the old foes in Gregory Richardson and company.
Though performances have been in-different, they have reached this stage which should count for something and sends a message they are determined on retaining their title.
According to Co-Director of Petra Organisation, Troy Mendonca, “fans expect two epic matches; it is like we are having two finals”.
Mendonca further revealed a Hero motorcycle will be given to a lucky fan at the end of the first semi-final and is urging all to come out in their numbers to stake a claim to the grand prize. The other motorcycle will be awarded to the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the final.
The Co-Director also expressed satisfaction at the level of refereeing which has been getting some flak. He reminded fans and players, the referees’ decision is final.
With teams already pocketing their respective group prizes, the tournament which is a collaboration with NAMILCO Wheat Gem, will see the attention turning now to the winning purse of $600,000 and the championship trophy.
Second to fourth will take home $300,000, $150,000 and $75,000 along with the corresponding accolades.
