Regal teams eager to dominate Florida Cup tournament

With consistent local performances that resulted in many championships and credible showings on the international scene, Regal Masters and All-Star teams will once again take on the Florida Cup 2017 which is billed for February 24-26 at Brian Picollo Park, Fort Lauderdale.

Vice-skipper Mahendra Hardyal of the veteran side said he is brimming with high

confidence and expects positive results by the completion of another softball extravaganza in North America.

“I think we [are] in a confident mood to do well in USA later this month; our guys are working very hard in terms of preparations and that has given us the impetus to believe that a championship would be materializing,” Hardyal related.

Regal, both the Open and Masters competed in their debut season in 2015 with an excellent impression and in 2016 did well to make it to the semifinals. This year they are aiming to go a step further and win the championships, according to the all-rounder.

“We have been doing well in the local and overseas tournaments and I know my boys (Open and Masters) will continue to do good in a different competition,” Hardyal declared.

Adding to their prolific reputation, Regal swept the New York Independence Cup last August winning both the Open and Masters trophies and Hardyal feels that would also serve as a catalyst to their already established enthusiasm.

Again, Regal will be expecting match-winning performances from the likes of the flamboyant Richard Latiff, Safraz Esau, Patrick Rooplall, Gavin Singh, Martin Dutchin, Fazal Rafeek in the Open Category while Hardyal will be counting on his ageing boys like Eon Abel, Eric Thomas, Mahase Chunilall, Rudolph Baker, captain Troy Kippins, Laurie Singh, Fazleem Mohamed, Raymond Harper, Mahendra Arjune among others.

Since the inauguration of the tournament approximately 13 years ago, Guyanese teams have been making steady and admirable impacts. Their (Regals) participation and success were simultaneously sweet alluding to the fact Guyana celebrated its 50th Independence Anniversary in 2016 and again the Honorary Consul of Guyana would have a celebration as part of the tournament, according to a report.

Hardyal mentioned that the players would want to maximize on the opportunity to showcase their talent on this huge softball occasion. He added they have intensified their preparations under the watchful eyes of the experienced coach Clive Grimmond at the Guyana National Industrial Corporation venue in Georgetown.

He stated that they don’t want to change any strategies and would use the same winning formula.

“Our senior guys have said they are anxious to add another trophy to their collection and confident of winning the tournament; however, we would not take any team for granted but we want to fire on all cylinders,” Hardyal commented.

Apart from Regal sides, Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) will be participating again. The association is set to field two teams as well with defending champions Floodlights and GFSCA Legends set to make the three-day event again.

Teams from Canada, the hosts city and New York are expected to be on show as well. The finals for both categories will be played at Central Broward Regional Park and Stadium, Ford Lauderhill with the victorious All-Stars side pocketing US$3,000 and the Masters taking home US$2,000 as the monetary prizes to go with the usually spectacular trophies.

Meanwhile, Prem’s Electrical Store of Alexander street Georgetown have come on board as a sponsor of the Regal teams to make the trip possible. Manager, Nirmala Sukhram made the presentation at the store recently to up and coming Regal All Star player, Videsh Persaud. (Contribution by Ravi Madholall)