Five of Guyana’s football Associations with the support of ANSA McAL under its Stag Beer brand have combined efforts to produce the Stag Nations Cup which will kick-off on December 16 at the Golden Grove, Ground, East Coast Demerara and culminate with a grand final on January 1, 2017.
Bevrage Manager Robert Hiscock does the ceremonial sponsorship handover to EBFA President Franklyn Wilson, while GFF Vice-President Thandi McCallister (blue top) along with representatives from various associations look on
The competition which features teams from the Berbice, East Demerara, East Bank, West Demerara and Georgetown Football Associations will attract 20 teams who will be battling for supremacy and the top prize of $2M; second place will secure $1M while third and fourth will receive $500,000 and $300,000 respectively.
Speaking at the launching on Friday at ANSA McAL headquarters, Beterverwagting, Beverage Manager Robert Hiscock explained that the corporate entity sees sports as integral aspect for the development of communities and that “we are proud to be a part of the Nations Cup as it gives so many teams time on the field to play and develop which necessary for the sport going forward.”
Similarly, third Vice-President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Thandi McCallister expressed kind sentiments for the support of ANSA McAL and more so over the fact that football is continuously being played, which in her opinion is the most important thing.
McCallister, added that “I’m heartened by the collaborative effort and the expansion; I was present at games before and I can testify to the enthusiasm of the teams involved, I urge all teams to play fair and do their best”.
Meanwhile President of the East Bank Football Association Franklyn Wilson was quizzed on whether the four elite league teams (Slingerz, Alpha United, Pele and Georgetown Football Club) were considered to be a part of the tournament.
In response Wilson explained that “those elite teams indicated interest but two didn’t respond, however the associations’ clubs felt it was unfair for them to compete and we took it upon ourselves not to allow them to participate”.
Wilson felt with the current batch of teams, no definite winner is certain which in itself allows the league to hold several surprise.
The EBFA President also revealed that plans are afoot to get the New Years finale to be played at the National Stadium, Providence.
Among the teams set to participate are: Western Tigers, Santos FC, Police Football Club, Uitvlugt Warriors, Pouderoyen FC, Grove Hi Tech, Cougars United, Herstelling Raiders, Mahaica Determinators, Rosignal United, New Amsertdam United, Ann’s Grove, Golden Stars and Mahaicony Thunders.
