West Ruimveldt 1 result away from KFC Goodwill spot

As the Republic Bank Secondary School Football League comes to a close on Sunday, November 30, with Round Seven action, there will be a lot at stake for the participating schools.
For West Ruimveldt Secondary, they are one result (win or draw) away from securing a spot in the KFC Goodwill International schools’ tournament next month, which is the ultimate goal.
Already completing half the job, with a tense 1-0 victory over South Ruimveldt on Sunday last, the school’s teacher-coach Leon Bishop has noted a great improvement in his team, highlighting the importance of picking up another win on Sunday.
“I’ve seen great improvement from this team. Last year we finished fourth; this time we have a chance to win the league. Mathematically, it will be difficult, but I mean, we’ve worked hard, and myself and the coach expect to see great performance outside on the field from the guys,” Bishop told Guyana Times Sport exclusively.
He added, regarding Sunday’s upcoming fixture, “It’s very, very important because we know that it’s a fight between three teams for the second place, so we must come out and show up next Sunday.”
Quizzed about their recent successes, Bishop attributed his school’s performances to “teamwork”.

The West Ruimveldt teacher explained, “It’s been a teamwork, I would say. Coming from my head teacher right down to all teachers and the students themselves. This school has been new to school football, school sports in general, and to see the progression is very exciting. It’s only better for the team going forward because we have a lot of our guys in third form; we have like four of the guys in fifth, but those will move on next year. Those youngsters that we have will really, really show off and show up next year, going forward.”
As such, the teacher went on to express what it would mean for his school to secure a spot in the highly sought-after KFC tournament.
Bishop expressed, “Well, it would mean a lot to this school. To have an opportunity to play against schools and players who would’ve played high-level football, and for a school of this nature, a small school, to qualify for this tournament would be great.”
“We have a lot of students come out to watch these guys because, I mean, they believe in the project that we have going on, so it would be exciting for the guys and for us as coaching staff.”
The teacher, who by now has a knack for nurturing strong teams, was further quizzed about the meaningful work he has been doing over the years.
Bishop responded, “Basically, I always say that once you give these guys an opportunity, they will succeed, and that’s what I would’ve done when I went to West. I gave the guys an opportunity to play sports in general, not only football, cricket and other sporting disciplines. I always give them my all; I ask of them just to be disciplined, focus on academics and their sports, which will make them a better player. For me, it’s just joy. I just give what I’m being paid to do: teach and work with the guys to ensure that they become somebody in life.”
Round Seven of the Republic Bank League will be staged at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground this Sunday, likely to kick off at 12:00h.