Teams, stakeholders ready as RBL League kicks off this weekend

With all systems in place for the kick-off of the sixth Petra-organised Secondary Schools Football League on Sunday, the coordinating body, alongside this year’s title sponsor Republic Bank, conducted its customary ball distribution exercise on Thursday.

The complement of balls was distributed to all of the eight participating teams, to ensure that the schools have adequate supplies to prepare for the competition.
During a simple event at Republic Bank’s New Market Street head office on Thursday, Petra Organisation’s Co-Director Troy Mendonca shared why the upcoming competition was one of their favourites.

“I’ve said before, the importance of a league in a football setup, how important it is. You’re not just playing two or three matches and then you get knock out and you gone home, but you have an opportunity to play each other team in the tournament,” Mendonca divulged.
He added, “So, from a development standpoint, this is one of our favourite tournaments.”
Meanwhile, Republic Bank Internal Audit Manager Oral Rose not only shared the company’s elation at the investment it made, but also had encouraging words for the players present.
Rose stated, “This league forms part of our social investment Power To Make A Difference programme and it helps us to invest in our young people across the country and we’re happy to invest in our communities, imparting our sponsorship on this event.”
He went on, “And, as you embark on this tournament, which starts on Sunday, I want you to play with passion, I want you to play with zeal and respect each other as you have very good competition. And remember to have fun while doing it.”
Abram Zuil Secondary (Region Two); Bush Lot Secondary (Region Five); President’s College (Region Four); defending champions Chase’s Academic Foundation (Region Four); Charlestown Secondary (Region Four); West Ruimveldt Secondary (Region Four); Dolphin Secondary (Region Four) and Three Miles Secondary (Region Seven) are the schools that will be competing in the Republic Bank League.
The teams will be competing for a $300,000 grand prize to be given in kind while second, third and fourth place will cash in on $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively. Two spots in the KFC Goodwill International tournament, scheduled for later this year, are also on the line.