Mainstay Goldstar needles Determinators to claim Elite League spot
Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon Football Association’s Lake Mainstay Goldstar became the ninth team that will suit up for this year’s Guyana Football Federation’s Elite League after triumphing in the Elite League Qualifier final on Sunday night.
A smattering of fans, some travelling from as far as Region Two, gathered at the GFF’s National Training Center (NTC), Providence, East Bank Demerara to witness the final showdown between Mainstay Goldstar and East Demerara Football Association’s Mahaica Determinators, with a spot in the Elite League on the line.
After the first whistle sounded, Mainstay stunned their opponents with an early strike. Rayeon John took advantage of a build-up just outside the box, waiting patiently for the ball to come across the face of the goal, where he was perfectly positioned, to tuck the ball into the back of the net in the seventh minute to put the Region Two outfit ahead.
That goal eventually became the game winner as near misses and excellent goalkeeping prevented anyone else from finding the back of the net.
Following the game, Mainstay Goldstar Captain Randy De Jonge reacted to their ascension to the Elite League while talking about their approach to this tournament.
Lake Mainstay Goldstar celebrate their ascension to the Elite League Season Seven
De Jonge shared, “It feels great for the first time heading into the Elite League. I mean, we putting in the training, putting in the work. So, we’re here.
“Lake Mainstay Goldstar, I must say we have some good players in there, but we really and truly don’t have a Coach. The Coach we have just acting in there as a Coach. We just came on luck today.
“We put in the training, put in the work and come out and look for the best,” the Captain added.
De Jonge went on to detail some of their focus areas as they prepare to compete in the Elite League.
“First of all, get a coach and get some good training. Just keep putting in the good work,” he explained.
All is not lost for the Mahaica Determinators as they will have a second chance to make it into the League. The Determinators will challenge fellow East Coast team Ann’s Grove United for their spot in the Elite League. That game is set for tomorrow, Wednesday, January 22.
