The drama ends tonight to start a new year, but will the giant-killing act be seen for another night – even if such a term could be used to describe when Coomacka, in their first-ever final appearance, attempt to upstage the five-time year-end football champions Topp XX?
This question will be answered with a winning $700,000 prize; the Most Valuable Player gets a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 valued at $200,000 and bragging rights for one year, all compliments of Nigel Hinds, when the two collide in the final of the Upper Demerara Football Association’s Christmas championship at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC)Ground from 21:00h.
Not to be forgotten is the fact that Coomacka reaching the final is indeed historic and that alone means that their orange and blue colours could adorn the stands of the MSC as they passionately seek a rare title indeed. Topp XX will be wearing their green and white hoping to stop the Coomacka team from making history against them, given their pedigree at this level.
Troy Nelson, the Topp XX Coach, is leaving no stone unturned to bring his team a sixth title after he would have been a player in the last five championships they won on January 1 over the years when Topp XX were the dominant team in Guyana.
A satisfied Nelson said: “They are giving me maximum respect as the Coach and it’s the first time in a long time I see the players cooperating like how they are now. Before the tournament, my team had not had the chance to train for about a year. And during the tournament, they trained about three days and we are being rewarded greatly.”
Critical to the team reaching thus far was a decision to put their experienced player Travis Waterston to play in the central defensive role on the back line. Nelson said a player of his quality needed to be there to shore-up the defence and at times he has the ability to mix it up coming through the middle.
They have in goal Gregory Hinds and a competent line of defence with Ralph Alexander, Ruel Williams, Waterston and Stephan Tappin to choose from as Ryan Noel, their captain, is in tandem with Carlos Grant and Keon Hall at midfield while up front are Adrian Browne, Shawn Daniels and Jamal Bentick.
On the other hand, the dream run by Coomacka came after giant-killing victories against the two top clubs in the tournament, Net Rockers and Botafogo respectively. This in itself tells a story: Coomacka are a team to watch.
Their coach, Carlsdale Aaron commented: “Once we stick to our game plan, no team can’t stop we. We are not underrating no team, but come game night they are the known team, but with the type of players we have we get the upper hand.”
He was high in praise of his young team saying many are teenagers, but were brave and courageous. He pointed to their standout goalkeeper, Kellon Major, who has been brilliant throughout the championship while the defence players have been competent in harassing their opposing forwards.
Whether Keiron Daw, Atekeba Edmundson and Wheatland Thom can maintain their level of play with Lionel “Messi” Peters in attacking mode is left to be seen.
Thus, tonight’s matches are keen encounters of a rare kind as history will unfold for football.
Trophy Stall supports
It comes as no surprise that Trophy Stall has come on board with the Upper Demerara Football Association to assist in the staging of the seventh edition of the UDFA Year-End Football Championship.
Trophy Stall proprietor Ramesh Sun ich recently donated the first-place trophy to Association President Terrence Mitchell.
The championship, which commenced on December 13 at the MSC Ground between 10 teams, enters its final day today.
The UDFA would like to thank Trophy Stall for its continued support.
