Sparta Boss Captain Sheldon Shepherd said that his side was focused and prepared for the semi-final encounter with fierce rival Gold is Money in the inaugural Rio Indoor Championship, which is slated to be held at the National Gymnasium on December 14.
Sheldon Shepherd
This was disclosed after an official release from the tournament coordinator, Three Peat Promotions. According to Shepherd, “This is good game: last time we played, we won 4-3, so they will be coming hard at us. We are not taking them lightly; we take every game and every team very serious which is normal for us.”
Sparta sealed their place in the semi-finals after defeating BV 4-2 in extra time in their quarter-final encounter. On the other hand, Gold is Money battled past Leopold Street 3-2 to seal their place in the final four.
Shepherd stated that the tournament crown was highly coveted, adding, “This is the first time that street-ball is playing for $1 million, so everyone wants to win. There are four good teams left, and everyone will come out for the win; everyone wants that title.”
He further added the team were unafraid of opposition, once successful in the semi-final round, adding, “We know Bent Street; we are not pointing a finger at anyone. We will handle anyone who we will have to play once we make the final.”
According to the release, “The semi-final matches are expected to be humdingers, given the quality of the sides that will be competing for a place in the grand finale. The matches will simply build on the quality that was exhibited at the quarter-final stage so the spectators will certainly be thrilled with the exciting play that will be on show.
“The four teams that remain are easily the best sides at the moment, with many of them having traditional rivalries which add to the drama of the tournament. Sparta Boss, Gold is Money and Bent Street are national heavyweights in this arena while debutants Rio All-Stars have displayed their championship credentials and will be a force to be reckoned with in the immediate future.”
The second semi-final match will pit Bent Street against Rio All-Stars. The final and third-place playoff will be staged on the same day. The winners will pocket $1,000,000 and the championship trophy, while the second, third and fourth-place finishers will collect $400,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively and the corresponding trophies.
