Paiwomak Warriors Fc crowned champions

RFA-GBTI Annual U13 Finals…

Paiwomak Warriors FC prevailed over Tabatinga FC by a 3–2 margin, following kicks from the penalty mark, to be crowned champions of the Rupununi Football Association’s (RFA’s) Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) U-13 Championships last Saturday at the St. Ignatius Ground in Lethem.
At the end of the allotted 20 minutes for the match and 10 minutes’ extra-time, the teams were tied one-all, with a goal being scored by Matrim Martin for Tabatinga FC, and one being scored by Glensford Peterson for Paiwomak Warriors.
Penalty kicks were therefore inevitable. Final scorers for Paiwomak Warriors were Peterson, Josh Glasgow and Guy Moses; while Martin and Reyes Williams made their mark for Tabatinga FC.
The finals preceded two action packed semi-final matches — between Tabatinga FC and Basin FC, and Paiwomak Warriors FC and Gladiators FC; with Tabatinga FC and Paiwomak Warriors FC each winning by a 2–0 margin.
Scorers in the first semi-final were Reyes Williams in the 15th minute and Matrim Martin in the 18th minute, while the second semi-final saw Nathan Alcides scoring an own goal in the 12th minute to give Paiwomak the lead, and Glendsford Peterson extending that lead in the 16th minute for the eventual victors.
Prior to the start of the championships, the teams were welcomed by RFA President Rayan Farias, and Sharon King, GBTI’s Lethem Branch Manager. King, in brief remarks, said football is part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility.
“We chose football because we recognise that football is a popular sport in the Region and the most-played sport in the world. We believe that early exposure will help to instil discipline and inspire the youths to higher levels of performance, while giving them a chance to showcase their skills,” she said.
Farias expressed gratitude to the sponsors, and said the tournament was part of the pathway to national selection.
“This is the start of the process to be considered for national selection, as when you display your talents in football at this level, you give yourself a better opportunity to be part of the national teams and further represent Guyana on the national and international stages,” he explained.
He admonished all parents to see football as a step in the right direction for their child or children’s benefit, and stressed that the “beautiful game” can help anyone to have a disciplined life.
Farias also expressed thanks to the match officials, and encouraged more corporate and individual partnerships to ensure football is developed in the region.
The annual tournament saw the participation of 18 clubs from the five sub-districts: Central (5), East Central (5), North (4), Deep South (2) and South Central (2).