Waramuri, GIA chase Pee Wee glory

Waramuri Primary and Georgetown International Academy (GIA) will battle for the Courts Optical Pee Wee Under-11 Football Tournament title on Saturday at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue, after both schools secured places in the final of the competition’s 13th annual edition.
The final is scheduled for 16:00h, with Waramuri and GIA set to contest the championship in what promises to be a significant occasion for both teams.
For GIA, the final represents a breakthrough, as the school reaches this stage of the tournament for the first time after previously struggling to progress beyond the knockout rounds.
Head Coach Freddie Imadonmwinyi admitted that the team’s run to the final had exceeded expectations, explaining that the initial objective was to gain experience and progress one stage at a time.
“Personally, I’m surprised that we are making this match because it’s the first time GIA is getting to the final,” Imadonmwinyi said.
He explained that the team had to be rebuilt from scratch after several players from last year’s squad left school and travelled overseas, making the current achievement even more rewarding.

Despite limited facilities and his own lack of formal Coaching certification, Imadonmwinyi has taken responsibility for guiding the young players, driven by his passion for football.
A Mathematics teacher by profession, he said he would be proud if his players gave their best in the final, regardless of the result.
He also noted that the opportunity to play at the Ministry of Education Ground had excited the boys, given the quality of the playing surface compared with their school facilities.
“Win or lose, we are very proud that this is the first stage in their career, and they are breaking the boundaries,” he added.
Waramuri, meanwhile, will enter the decisive encounter with confidence, with Head Coach Ravin Fredricks praising his players’ discipline, behaviour and development over the past three to four weeks.
Fredricks believes the team has the stamina, understanding and ability required to overcome its opponents and lift the trophy.
He expressed satisfaction with the progress made during their preparation, pointing to the players’ improved understanding of the game as a key positive heading into Saturday’s showdown.
Both teams will now look to cap their impressive campaigns with victory, as GIA seek a maiden tournament triumph and Waramuri aim to finish their run with the coveted Pee Wee title.