Female futsal in Guyana might be as rare as a unicorn, but with the input of MVP Sports, ANSA McAL, Petra Organisation, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, it is a dream of female players that is finally being realised.
Tonight, the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue in Georgetown will witness the kick-off of the MVP Sports’ futsal tournament for the ladies, in which are involved 8 teams from around the country. In Group A, Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Fruta Conquerors, Tiger Bay and Herstelling will square off for a chance to top the group. Group B consists of Guyana Police Force (GPF), Santos Football Club, Avacado Ballers, and GT Panthers.
With the big names of the sport involved, the women’s tournament is poised to bring excitement and awe as the ladies take to the court. Equally as excited are the players themselves, who took time out from the Petra Organisation’s team briefing exercise on Wednesday night to speak with Guyana Times Sport.
“What I expect from Fruta Conquerors? I expect for us to come and dominate, not to just play. I do hope to have full support from family, friends,” Fruta Conquerors’ Hasha Holder shared
with this publication.
The Lady Jaguars player added, “I give thanks to ANSA McAL for sponsoring this event; and, going forward, I just look to have lots of fun. Great energy from the ladies!”
Santos FC’s Tyneisha Thorne commented, “Myself and my team? We’re very excited, because we don’t have that much experience; we’re accustomed to field games. I mean, this game is more competitive, it needs more speed. I expect us to perform to our best,” the female player added confidently.
Georgetown will not be the only area represented at the tournament, as GT Panthers’ Ladies are taking a shot at the $200,000 grand prize. Sabrina Benjamin of the GT Panthers team shared, “I’m kind of excited and nervous at the same time. Because this is the first time we get the opportunity to, you know, show our talent on this court. I just want to thank the sponsors on behalf of my team.”
Shifting her attention to the competitive aspect, Benjamin explained, “Of course! We want to win, right, but it’s kind of difficult. We’re accustomed to playing on the fields, but this is different. With our coach, we’re getting there.”
ANSA McAL’s Triston Freeman was on hand to speak about the corporate entity’s commitment to female sports. “Lucozade and ANSA McAL, we’re very proud to support sport in Guyana. However, we’re especially proud to sponsor the female version of this event. This shows that we don’t just support male sports, we support females and the development of female sports in Guyana,” he expressed. The Lucozade Brand Manager added, “I’m excited, and extremely delight to be part of this tournament!”
The female tournament will get underway today from 18.30hrs, while the male group action is scheduled to continue from 20:30hrs. (Jemima Holmes)
Female fixtures:
18:30 hrs: Conquerors vs Tiger Bay
19:10 hrs: GDF vs Herstelling
19:50 hrs: Police vs GT Panthers
20:20 hrs: Santos vs Avocado Ballers
Male fixtures:
20:30 hrs: Stabroek Ballers vs BV
21:15 hrs: Vengy FC vs Sophia
22:00 hrs: Future Stars vs Tiger Bay
22:45 hrs: Goal is Money vs Mocha Family
23:30 hrs: Back Circle vs Campbellville
00:15 hrs: Sparta vs Bent Street.
