GFC ready for Petra/Corona Football challenge

Despite being out of competitive football due to relegation from the Elite League, Manager of the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Faizal Khan is contending that his side will be a force to contend with when the Petra Organised Corona Football Tournament gets underway on July 7.
“The Elite League was a fantastic development platform for all teams more so for GFC because we had a young team. We had big games against some top teams. We have a strong team now and expect nothing less but being in the top four going into the final leg of the tournament”, Khan stated in an interview with Guyana Times Sport on Monday.
The Invitational tournament features twelve of   Georgetown’s marque teams many of which have gotten stronger in recent years due to various transfers. GFC, one of the oldest clubs in the country, will come against the likes of Pele, Western Tigers and Guyana Police Force FC.
Responding to whether the club has the resources to stem the force of the opposition, Khan responded in the affirmative.
“In the words of our Brazilian head coach Fabiano Agripino, We respect everybody but we don’t fear anybody. I have respect for the teams, they have fanatic talents but it is more than just the talent, you have the tactical, social and physiological skills are important”, he stated.
While, the club has seen exodus of some of their premier players, Khan belives the structure they have created by fostering the development of young players has ensured the current strength of GFC.
“We has been playing practice matches to stay active and the difference between us and some of the other clubs is that we have a full team, we have a first team, under 20, under-15, under 17s and under 11, so every afternoon there is one of the teams playing”.
“We are excited. What has been very good about GFC over the last nine months is the loyalty of the players and we plan to repay that loyalty,” Khan added.
Though unconfirmed, the GFC roster would include National Youth players such as Ralph Paris, Curtez Kellman and Kelsey Benjamin.
Khan further attributed the success to the COPA Airlines and DeSinco Trading, two loyal supporters.
The tournament will be played on a round-robin knock-out phase where there will be two groups of six teams. The top four from the respective group will advance to the knock-out Phase.
The teams are playing for first place prize of one million dollars and championship trophy while second to fourth will pocket $400,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively and the corresponding accolade.
The tournament   was initially set to kick-off on June 30 but  the inclement weather caused the delay, with the tentative date now being   July 7 and the conclusion scheduled for   September 9.
The playing days will primarily be Fridays and Sundays which will see the Georgetown Football Club, Bourda and Tucville Ground being the main playing venues.
The other clubs set to compete are: Campton FC, Santos FC, Beacons FC, Northern Rangers, Riddim Squad, Flamingo FC, Black Pearl and East Ville FC.