Almost two months after they put in the work to finish in the top four of the Stag/ Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Super 16 year end tournament, the successful teams were finally rewarded on Wednesday with their prize monies and trophies.
The small gathering was filled with executives of the champions Den Amstel, second-place Buxton United, third-place Fruta Conquerors and fourth-place Western Tigers.
Speaking to the quality of the year end tournament, GFF Competitions Director Ian Alves sought to highlight the successes of the Elite League teams.
“One of the things I want to note first and foremost which speaks well for the Elite League and the elite clubs is that most of the other clubs were eliminated in the first round of the tournament by their Elite League counterparts, which, of course, speaks to the quality of football being played at the Elite League level,” Alves explained.
Meanwhile, aside from being elated about the achievements of the inaugural tournament, Stag Brand Coordinator Nigel Worrell, was in awe of the ‘underdog’ finish that the competition had.
“I think that over the years what happens is that partnerships like these is what
Den Amstel FC Secretary Denneze Lovell was all smiles as she collected the championship trophy and cheque from Worrell and Forde
helps to build the foundation for football and generally for any sport. That fact that we saw the team that won last year’s tournament is one of what we call the underdogs, is testimony to what football is all about and what partnerships like these can actually bring to the fore,” Worrell stated.
While highlighting the year-end tournaments held by the GFF, President Wayne Forde was careful to note that in just two years, there have been improvements in the Federation’s yearend activities.
“And what is clear is that there has been progression from year one to year two and I think that is the evidence that business people look at when they’re making decisions and planning for the future. There is a lot to take away from the competition,” he disclosed.
The GFF boss then went on to shower praise on ANSA McAL for fulfilling its corporate duties.
“ANSA McAL is clearly a member of corporate Guyana who understands the importance of reinvesting into the human element of our society and especially in the youth component of our society. Football is a game that brings people and communities together and that would have been on display during the tournament at the year end. So, I want to give on behalf of the clubs and the executive committee a warm thank you to the ANSA McAL group for their continued support,” Forde said.
The GFF Stag Super 16 league was opened to 16 teams, eight of which were from the Elite League and the others comprising Regional Member Association champions. The tournament ran from December 14 to January 1, 2019.
The champions Den Amstel and second-place finishers Buxton United walked away with $1 million while third place was rewarded with $500,000. (Jemima Holmes)
