– as Brazil stint for MVP
A pair of familiar foes are set to meet again today, in the final clash of the KFC Goodwill International Schools’ Football tournament. Defending champions, Chase’s Academic Foundation of Guyana, and last year’s runners-up, St Benedict’s College of Trinidad and Tobago, will meet on the pitch for the first time this year, following a dramatic penalty shootout between them that handed Chase the championship trophy in their last encounter.
Interestingly, there will be lots on the line for today’s clash, considering that whichever winner will become the first school to lift the title for a second time, and for the tournament’s most valuable player (MVP), an opportunity to train and play in neighbouring Brazil awaits.
That announcement was made on Saturday afternoon, during the customary face-off exercise, where Sport Consultant Narada Wilson was eager to unveil the development.
“The idea is that we wanted to raise the level a bit. So, I have confirmed with a club in Brazil called Clube Atletico Penapolense, which is in Penapolis in Brazil, which is the second division club in Brazil, and they have offered me one to three months for the MVP player. Why I’ve changed from a developmental club into playing in a league? I’m going straight into a professional club, which means I am now putting a player into a completely professional setting and seeing where that player measures at the highest standard of football. Right? The club has offered one to three months, so based on whatever agreement I have with Petra, the players’ availability, etc., that is what we will be looking at this year for 2026,” Wilson disclosed to the gathering at KFC’s Vlissengen Road Head Office.
On the other hand, KFC Guyana CEO Paul Subryan expressed his eagerness to witness tonight’s final, committing to the continuation of the international competition in the future.
Subryan remarked, “Today we stand at a very special moment – the homestretch; the KFC schools football tournament, and what a tournament we’ve had so far. This certainly was a display of passion, pride, hard work and determination on the field.”
“We commend the Petra organisation for their consistency, for their vision, and we think that with the continued support of KFC, we can certainly look forward to another year of sponsorship. And whatever the style of curry, I believe that we can all look forward to a great, great final,” the KFC Guyana CEO added.
Then, it was time for the finalists to meet, each sharing their expectations for tonight’s final.
Representing the defending champions, Captain of Chase’s Academic Foundation, Bryan Wharton vowed, “We’re just looking to defend our title and show everybody talent. Guyana is and represent well against we rival, Trinidad, tomorrow [today].”
On the other hand, St Benedict’s College’s Captain Malachi Fraser stated, “What you can expect tomorrow [today], coming out to play as a team, play hard and take back that trophy to Trinidad.”
Semifinal showdowns
So, how did we get here? This year’s KFC Goodwill finalists ousted the likes of Jamaica’s Kingston College and Suriname’s Technical School of Nickerie from the competition in contrasting fashion.
In semi-final 1, a nail-biting encounter between Trinidad and Jamaica saw the former defending for the entire second half, in tense conditions, to pull off the win. Earlier, Ruben Phillip found the back of the net in the 28th and 45th+3 minutes, giving St Benedict’s College something to defend.
In the second semi-final, featuring Chase’s Academic and Suriname’s Technical School, a dominant performance from the tournament’s defending champions saw them cruising into the final.
Malcolm Hendricks got the party started, netting the very first goal in the 4th minute, capitalising on a set piece from the corner. Isiaih Ifill added his name to the scoresheet next in the eighth minute, and two minutes later, Neeiaz Baksh made it a 3-0 affair.
With a 3-0 lead by the half, Chase were in cruise control. Whitney King, in the 56th, sank a stellar free kick from near the halfway line, and Shaquan David, after some build-up in the box, netted their fifth and final goal in the 76th minute.
Tonight’s KFC Goodwill final is scheduled for 20:00h at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue. The third-place playoff between Kingston College and Suriname’s Technical School is set for 18:00h.
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