Big guns prepare for final showdown this Saturday

ꟷ lucrative Christmas bonanza for winners

After weeks of enthralling action, the biggest indoor tournament involving local teams will climax this Saturday with the semi-finals and final, at the National Gymnasium.
Three of the four combatants are regarded as the best in the country while the new kid on the block, Rio All Stars have quickly aligned themselves in that category as well. It, therefore, means that fans could expect two breathtaking semi-finals and an ultimate scorcher of a final for the largest purse in the history of the indoor format.
Word is that the teams have all been hard at training for the final showdown, which carries a first prize of $1 million, while the second, third and fourth-place finishers will take home $400,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively along with trophies.
In the match-ups, Sparta Boss will play old foe Gold is Money, while new kids Rio All Stars go up against a star-studded Bent Street line. Sparta Boss without fear of contradiction is the most successful team in the shorter format and their recent form must be a frightening scenario for their opponents.
The likes of Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson, the skilful Deon Alfred, the indomitable Sheldon Shepherd, the upstart Ryan Hackett and the return to form of Eusi Phillips is clearly an imposing proposition for any team.
On the other hand, Gold is Money despite losing to Sparta in their most recent engagement, has been the team that present the most headaches for them.
Their style of play is perfectly suited to providing difficulty … for Sparta, but the loss of talisman Hubert Pedro through a hamstring injury and the exodus of Jermin Junor have made them a bit vulnerable.
However, the experience of Phillip Rowley, Randolph Wagner, Solomon Austin and the dreadlocked, cool and calm Jamal Pedro have averted any major slip in success. Rio All Stars have looked in sharp form with players the calibre of Junor, Andrew Murray Jr, and Job Caesar have played with clinical efficiency and are a serious threat to any team before them.
On the other hand, Bent Street is loaded with talent and well led by Daniel Wilson. He has support from the likes of Pernell Schultz, Clive Nobrega and national goalkeeper Akel Clarke between the uprights.
All systems are in place to bring a fitting and exciting end to what has been a good tournament that the organisers hope to pull off annually. It promises to be a night of football fury for the ultimate prize.