Now in its sixth year, the Petra Organisation’s Milo Schools football tournament will kick off today at the Ministry of Education ground from 12:00h.
Defending champions Chase Academic Foundation will be in action in round one today when they face Carmel Secondary School at 15:00h in the third and final match of the day.
Jeremy Garrett will be leading Chase Academic Foundation’s bid for a fourth consecutive title
Chase’s team will be buoyed by the presence of National player and Captain Jeremy Garrett who is a player mature beyond his years. The defender’s presence will have a calming effect as the squad will see an influx of new faces. The return of Vurlon Mills as coach will further bolster the champions bid to make it four titles in a row.
Speaking ahead of his team’s first game today, founder of Chase Academic Foundation, Henry Chase told Guyana Times Sport that some 25 players have been in preparation and training for some time now. “The sessions have been great and the players are looking in top shape. Coach (Vurlon) Mills will have a hard time picking the team. There are players such as Rondel Peters, Nicholas McArthur, Cecil Jackman, Ronaldo Rodrigues and Rushaun Ritch who all are sure to be in contention for first team spots.”
The younger brother of Jeremy Garrett, Jermain Garrett is also in the Chase juggernaut making them a fearsome opponent.
However, the loss of goalkeeper Sese Norville will be a big blow to the Chase outfit; Norville transferred to Morgan’s Learning Centre and will give that team a much needed boost. The latter had last year taken the champions to penalty kicks but subsequently lost.
The opening game at 12:00h will bring together Buxton Youth Development and the Business School in a highly anticipated matchup. The latter are being coached by former Chase players and Milo champions Ralph Parris and Curtez Kellman.
Speaking to Guyana Times Sport, Parris noted that while his charges are young, he’ll do his best to pass on his knowledge and expertise as he not only wants to win but also to help develop the younger players.
Following the Business School, Buxton Youth Development clash; St Rose’s High School will face Cummings Lodge Secondary School in the second match of the day.
The tournament which has seen Chase’s Academy Foundation winning the title for three consecutive years has this year once again partnered with the Ministry of Public Health. The key component of the partnership will see the promotion of the issue of gender-based violence in an effort to raise public awareness. (Michelangelo Jacobus)
