A look at the riveting encounter between East Ruimveldt (black) and South Ruimveldt (white)
The start of the Georgetown and East Coast zones of the Digicel Schools’ Football Championships on Saturday morning signified the commencement of what would be several weeks of thrilling football action.
With in excess of 130 schools set to compete countrywide, Digicel Communications Manager Vidya Sanichara articulated the company’s elation at the commencement of the tournament.
“We are as equally excited, or even more, because we know that this tournament means a lot to the schools that participate and to the hinterland regions that we take the games to, cause it’s a countrywide sport and they look forward to it every year we would’ve had it,” Sanichara expressed.
Sahale Butts (on ball) netted the tournament’s first hattrick this year
She added, “I know the hiatus had everybody thinking, cause they would ask, ‘Are you going to have football this year? Are you guys coming back thus year? Are you guys playing this year?’ So we’re back, and we’re excited, and we cannot wait to see what the end results will be.”
Quizzed about Digicel’s vested interest in hosting the tournament, Sanichara touched on the kind of value that Digicel derives from the competition.
“One of our missions at Digicel is to invest in youths and sport, and that is exactly what this tournament affords us to do. So, by investing in the sport and investing in youth development, and also taking it across the country, it gives exposure and it helps young people build themselves and their confidence,” the Digicel Communications Manager said in responding to this publication’s inquiries.
Considering the tournament’s alumni, the likes of Kelsey Benjamin, Jeremy Garrett and Curtez Kellman who are now senior national footballers, Sanichara expressed that the tournament has paid dividends over the years.
“Yes, indeed. And what is more fulfilling for us is seeing those players, the young people, advance and excel. That is what the motto is for the tournament, ‘Unite, Develop, Excel’, and that is what comes to fruition when we see things like that,” Sanichara revealed.
When the tournament kicked off, Tucville Secondary bagged the first win of the 2023 season. Tucville defeated Queenstown Secondary 5-0, with a hattrick coming from Sahale Butts and one goal each from Ryan Greene and Jamal Edmond.
Then Bladen Hall Multilateral thumped Plaisance Secondary 5-1. Xavier Ignatius led with a double, while Amanekeie Jack, Travon Drakes and Joel Lallman each netted once.
A thrilling encounter was witnessed between East Ruimveldt and South Ruimveldt Secondary, from which the latter emerged victorious on sudden death kicks from the penalty mark. (Jemima Holmes)
