GFF, Marics Company hand over ‘President’s Cup’ top-scorer’s prize
GFF’s Ian Alves and A Marics representative presenting the keys to Abumuchi and Kelsey Benjamin respectively
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and Marics and Company Limited this afternoon handed over two new white and red Honda XR 150L motorcycles to One Guyana President’s Cup top scorers Abumchi Benjamin and Kelsey Benjamin. The simple ceremony was held at the GFF Headquarters in Georgetown.
Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) defeated Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) 2-1 in a spectacular January 1 final of the inaugural tournament at the Leonora National Track and Field Centre, West Coast Demerara (WCD).
As a consequence of having a tied top-scorer race, two bikes were handed over
Both members of this Benjamin duo represent the Guyana Defence Force Football Club, and each scored 10 goals. One of the motorcycles was donated by Marics and Company Limited, the home of Honda in Guyana, while the other bike was sponsored by GFF.
Marics and Company Marketing Manager, Anjanie Hackett, said her company has always supported GFF’s tournaments, and is happy to present the XR Honda motorcycle to one of the top scorers of the One Guyana President’s Cup.
“Marics and Company Limited has always supported sport in Guyana. It’s not the first time we’re doing it… Sometimes we give bikes, sometimes we give cash. So, we are happy to give this wonderful prize, and it’s $495,000 for the XR bike. So, we are happy for the winner.
Hackett assured that Marics would be sponsoring a prize for the 2023 year-end tournament.
GFF Secretary General Ian Alves explained that the federation had to step in and sponsor another motorcycle after two players scored the most goals at the end of the national tournament.
“Initially, we got the donation from Marics and Company for the one motorcycle XR, because we were assuming there would have been one highest goal-scorer. As the tournament was as competitive as it was…it should be noted that because there were two highest goal- scorers, we were forced to find another prize. As a result, the Guyana Football Federation chipped in by purchasing the other motorcycle from Marics, so that both of the highest goal-scorers could have gotten their prize.”
He added: “Marics is already committed to the tournament this year and to additional support for other Guyana Football Federation’s tournaments. For this, we are indeed grateful. Once we can guarantee support of companies like Marics, we can see our players being much more motivated and willing to give their best in these tournaments.”
The club leg of the One Guyana President’s Cup kicked off on November 13. It was followed by the championship round, which started on December 11 and featured 10 regional teams in two groups.
After collecting the keys for his new bike, Abumuchi Benjamin of the Guyana Defence Force Football Club said he was happy with the prize. “On behalf of GDF, I thank GFF and also Marics Company,” he shared.
Kelsey Benjamin added that he was “very, very excited!”
