Multitudes of futsal fanatics are expected to converge at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue to witness the grand finale of the 2019 Corona Futsal Tournament and excitedly cheer on their favourite team/player.
Tiger Bay’s Solomon Austin defending in the semis of the Corona Futsal Tournament
The highly anticipated final has, for the past week, been the talk of the town; and those conversations have been focused on two unlikely teams who have displayed their worth over the past five weeks and will meet tonight on the proverbial battlefield, where $500,000 will be the prize for the one emerging victorious.
When the 2019 Corona Futsal tournament began in May, no one could predict that Back Circle and Tiger Bay would be the teams contesting the final. But through hard work, determination, and sheer skill, the two teams were able to trump some big names in the Futsal arena, bypass longtime rivals, and make their way to the top.
Tiger’s Bay story of ascension to the finale seems like something plucked from a fairytale; with a hero, villain, and what they hope would be a happy ending this evening. Tiger Bay first showcased their intent to go all the way in the round- robin stage, defeating their opponents by large margins. However, their encountered their first real obstacle in the quarterfinal round when they were made to battle the renowned Sparta Boss. Although it wasn’t easy, they advanced to the semis with a 3-2 win. There, with the lead of Deon Alfred, they made light work of a fighting Future Stars, triumphing over them with an 8-5 drubbing.
In spite of Alfred being the main man for his team, the likes of Solomon Austin and Keoma Gravesande have at the moment made notable contributions to the team’s success, and are equally capable of carrying the team, should the need arise.
On the other hand, Back Circle’s final appearance has been a long time coming. This team, which originates from East Ruimveldt, has been a staple in the local Futsal arena, but fell short one time too many. Led by captain Selwyn Williams, the team will tonight have the opportunity to silence their critics once and for all.
As previously said by Williams, the team possess ‘a lethal weapon’ in the form of National Player Trayon Bobb. Over the past couple of weeks, Bobb has lived up to the moniker by winning games for his team on several occasions. Not to be forgotten, Back Circle were the ones to eliminate the ominous 2018 champions, Bent Street, in the semifinal stage.
Judging by the firepower that each team possess, tonight’s final will be nothing short of spectacular. The action is expected to kick-off from 00:00hrs.
At 22:00, Future Stars and Bent Street will take to the playing surface to redeem themselves in the third place playoff, after being knocked out of contention for the championship last weekend.
Prior to the two headline games, two exhibition matches will be staged. At 20:00hrs The Tiger Bay Girls’ team will take on the Fruta Conquerors’ Ladies, while GPL battle GWI at 21:00hrs.
The team finishing in first place will not only lift the championship trophy, but would also walk away with $500,000. Second placer would have to settle for $250,000, while third and fourth place winners pocket $125,000 and $75,000 respectively.
Deon Alfred, Trayon Bobb, Solomon Austin and Quasan Mc Ally, among others, will be watched closely tonight as the Most Valuable Player of the tournament is decided. Whomever is bestowed the honour of MVP will ride away with a Hero motorcycle compliments of Rose Ramdehol and Hero.
