Elite League Qualifiers: Determinators, Potaro, Pele advance to semi-finals

The Mahaica Determinators Football Club, Potaro Strikers FC and Pele FC have all advanced to the semi-finals of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) 2025 Season 7 Elite League Playoffs following a packed weekend of club football action.
On Saturday at the Rosignol Ground in Berbice, Mahaica Determinators clinched a commanding 4-1 victory over Paradise Invaders in the opening match of the qualification tournament, while Potaro Strikers and Pele FC followed on Sunday with similar, narrow wins over Uitvlugt Warriors and Agricola Red Triangle at the Uitvlugt Ground, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

The Determinators triumphed over Paradise Invaders FC with standout performances from Nicholas Daw (7), Travon Adams (10), and Julius Hamilton (28th), denying the Invaders an opportunity to qualify for the upcoming season.
Travon Adams spearheaded the East Coast team’s attack at the Rosignol Community Centre Ground, netting twice in the first half. Adams’ first goal came in the 42nd minute, followed by another in the 44th minute, putting the Determinators firmly in control.
As the match progressed, Paradise Invaders’ hopes dwindled, despite Eric Calendar’s effort to get on the scoreboard for the Invaders in the 53rd minute. The Determinators sealed their victory in the final minutes of the game, with Hamilton scoring in the 88th minute and Daw adding a goal in the 90th minute after coming off the bench.

Pele FC edged out Agricola Red Triangle with a lone goal scored by Akon DeSantos (#6) in the 35th minute. Their strong defensive effort ensured the early lead held throughout the match, earning them a spot in the next stage of the competition.
Meanwhile, Potaro Strikers triumphed over Uitvlugt Warriors in a 2-1 showdown. Kevin Reddy (#42) opened the scoring for Potaro Strikers in the 62nd minute, with Daniel Gardener (#40) sealing the win with a crucial goal in the 84th minute. The Warriors managed to score once, but fell short of levelling the match.
The semi-finals are set to take place on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Pele FC will face Mahaica Determinators, while Lake Mainstay FC (who received a bye to this round) will go up against Potaro Strikers. Both matches promise exciting action as the teams battle for a place in the final and a chance to secure a spot in this year’s Elite League.

The eventual winner of the tournament will gain the automatic spot in Guyana’s premier football League, that was vacated by Buxton United, who finished at the bottom of the points table in the 10- team competition in 2024. The Elite League Qualifiers final is billed for Saturday, January 18, 2025.
Meanwhile, the second-place finisher (loser in the final) will have a reprieve, as they get the opportunity to battle Ann’s Grove United in a play-off for another spot in the League. Ann’s Grove finished ninth in 2024’s Season Six of the League and will need a win in that game to maintain their spot in the League. The game is scheduled to be hosted on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
Slingerz FC and Monedderlust FC were the successful teams out of last year’s Elite League Qualifiers and managed to maintain their spots, heading into the seventh season.