Smalta Pee Wee Girls Football promises thrilling action

The Smalta Girls Pee Wee Football tournament got off to a thrilling start on Saturday afternoon, with 12 teams being in contention for this year’s championships.
The fifth annual installment of the Girls-11-and- Under tournament was initiated with much pomp and splendour as the teams participated in an official march past, after which Co- Director of Petra, Troy Mendonca, took the honours of doing the official kickoff.
In brief remarks, Mendonca praised ANSA Mc AL for their continued sponsorship.
“….for this to happen, we want to acknowledge the opportunity given by ANSA Mc AL company through their Smalta brand for sponsoring this event,” he said.
The organiser also lauded the efforts of FIFA and the Guyana Football Federation

A glimpse of St. Pius and North Georgetown during their contest

for placing special emphasis on the improvement of female football.
“Over the next few weeks, you will be given an opportunity to interact with your team members, players from other teams; you will be given an opportunity to showcase your skills, and to even fall in love with the sport. I think, moreso with the efforts by FIFA and the GFF, we think we’re in good stead, where we have an opportunity to go after our dream because of the efforts they are making in female football,” Mendonca stated.
Over the next 5 weeks, 12 teams will show off their skills in three groups, namely Group A: St Stephens, Genesis Harmony and South Ruimveldt; Group B: North Georgetown, St Margaret’s, Smith’s Memorial and St Pius; and Group C: FE Pollard, West Ruimveldt, Enterprise and Tucville.
Colin Abel, a member of Guyana’s Referee Council, at the opening ceremony, noted that the competition will also act as a learning process for the young ladies.
“We would like to thank the Petra Organisation for having us as part of this competition, to see these young ladies grow into the game of football. We are the referees, so we will be guiding them, teaching them the laws of the game along the

South Ruimveldt and Genesis in battle

way, so that at the end of the day, we can all develop football in Guyana,” Abel explained.
As the curtains came down on the first day of competition, defending champions South Ruimveldt Primary got their 2018 campaign off to a perfect start, as they defeated Genesis 2-0, owing to the excellence of Feyon Harry, who netted both goals. St. Pius met with North Georgetown in an exciting encounter, which ended in North Georgetown’s favour after Jadea Maison netted a lone goal. Smith’s Memorial also tasted victory in their game against St. Margaret’s. Dellana Small and Kellyana Alert were the two players to contribute to the 2-0 tally. Tucville Primary was also a part of the winner’s circle when they took on F.E Pollard Primary. Fantisha Prass played hero for her team with two goals. Last year’s third place finishers, West Ruimveld,t also registered a win against Enterprise Primary. Kenetta Abrams and Shellon David contributed one a piece to the 2-0 score.
Additionally, St Stephen’s Primary was awarded a walk-over when Mae’s Primary failed to show.