The question everyone is asking is whether Sparta Boss, Guyana’s most dominant team in the street and indoor formats of football, could end the year with another title.
Pernell Schultz
The answer to this question will be known this evening, when the semi-finals and grand final of the inaugural Dragon Stout Community Cup tournament are played at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.
Sparta Boss have undoubtedly been the leading team, not only this year, but for a number of years; and fans will be flooding the Mecca for indoor football to see whether their reign of success will continue.
Eon Alleyne
They face a resurgent Leopold Street in the second semi-final to be played. The encounter is anticipated to be a scorching engagement, but Sparta Boss possess such quality players as Sheldon Shepherd, Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson, Eusi ‘Boneyman’ Phillips, Deon Alfred and Ryan ‘Bum Bum’ Hackett, and those Spartans are expected to lead their team’s quest for another title.
Their only worry is whether outstanding goalkeeper Devon ‘Worm’ Charles, who suffered an injury in the preceding game, will be fit enough to take his place between the uprights.
Gregory Richardson
The return of Leopold Street talisman Omallo Williams has brought a huge ray of hope to their chances of lifting a title; and with support from such warriors as Darren Benjamin, Eon Alleyne and O’Kenny Fraser, they could make things really tough for the in-form Sparta Boss side.
In the opening semi-final, dark horses Rio All-Stars tackle the star-studded Bent Street, and this clash is anticipated to be another humdinger.
Andrew Murray, Jermin Junor, Solomon Austin and Job Caesar will lead the Rio All-Stars’ attack, spearheading their ambition for a place in the final.
Bent Street should, however, be motivated by a win setting up the possibility of a return clash against Sparta Boss, should the latter secure victory against Leopold Street.
Solomon Austin
Having lost to the juggernauts of this shorter version of football in the preceding tournament, Bent Street would definitely relish another skirmish to tempt the hand of Fate.
Possessing such top-quality players as Daniel Wilson, Pernell Schultz, Clive Nobrega, goalkeeper Akel Clarke and Colin Nelson, who have all donned national colours, Bent Street are definitely the most formidable unit on paper.
However, a potential matchup against Sparta Boss is a different kettle of fish; and should this showdown materialize, fans could be in for a real Christmas treat to end another successful year in the format.
Massive spectator support is anticipated to witness the culmination of this final futsal tournament for 2019, but next year’s competition promises to be even bigger and better in what has become the most popular format of the sport locally.
