East Bank kick starts Intra-Association KFC Cup

With the intent to identify young football talent, especially in preparation for the CONCACAF Olympic Under 23 qualifiers, the Inaugural KFC Independence Cup kicked off on Saturday afternoon with much pomp and splendor.
Nine teams from the East Bank Football Association donned their club colors and banners in the blistering afternoon sun on Saturday, as the KFC Independence Cup got off to a start. The EBFA is the first association to kick off their Intra Association tournament and will soon be followed be the other regional member associations throughout the country as they seek to crown champion, before all the winners take on each other in the National inter association tournament.
Present at the kick off and march pass ceremony was Guyana Football Federation President Wayne Forde who detailed the vision of the tournament.
“We believe that the KFC- GFF Independence Cup is a unique platform that will help most of you to contribute your energy towards something that is positive, something that is fulfilling and uplifting,” he said.
The GFF Boss also had some other words of encouragement for the young players.
“The best lessons in life comes through adversity, so while we know and we hope that every one of you would want to emerge as the East Bank association champion, only one team will do that. It is important that the other teams enjoys the experience, have fun and cherish every moment that the 90 minutes hold,” Forde stated.
Meanwhile, KFC Training Manager Charissa Rampersaud expressed the company’s eagerness to be a part of developmental program, stating “We are so committed to helping in the development of our youth and teaming up with the GFF is one of the many ways that we are able to do so. I’m very, very, proud that KFC is a part of this tournament, we look forward to seeing all these teams having fun as the vie for the championship.”
She went on to encouraged the players involved to make the most of their time on the field.
“I know every team wants to be a winner but I want to encourage you all to not just focus on winning but to have fun as you take part in this tournament,” Rampersaud encouraged.
The teams involved in the East Bank version of the KFC Independence Cup are Kuru Kuru Wariors FC, Timhehri Panthers FC, Friendship Allstars FC, Agricola Red Triangle, Grove Hi Tech, Soesdyke Falcons FC, Herstelling Raiders FC, Diamond United FC and Samatta Point FC.
The first game of the tournament was a battle between Timehri Panthers FC and Agricola Red Triangle.
The Association Games are expected to conclude on May 20, while the National Competition where all the Association winner will meet is expected to begin on May 31st and the curtains will come down on June 9. The first place team will walk away with $500,000, whilst second and third will settle $300,000 and $200,000 respectively.