THE first three-way tournament involving Berbice, East Demerara and East Bank Football Associations, sponsored by Ansa McAl was officially kicked off by the sponsor’s Public Relations Officer Darshanie Yussuf last Sunday at the No. 5 ground, West Coast Berbice. 

Delivering feature remarks, following the colourful march past of 15 of the 16 participating clubs, Yussuf reminded the players, officials and fans that her company was pleased to be associated with a tournament that was truly national.
“We believe that our Stag Beer Super 16 Football Challenge is truly the national tournament as it brings together three of the country’s associations with 16 of its teams. People sometimes run away with the idea that Georgetown represents the entire Guyana. Our tournament proves differently.”
The gathering was told that Ansa McAl’s commitment to the development of football and sports in general was quite obvious in this competition. They would like to ensure that the game of football and players from every association are given the opportunity to play the sport that we all love.
“Over the past 10 years we at Ansa McAl have sponsored successful football tournaments in Guyana but more so, on the East Coast and the East Bank Demerara. This is our first major partnership with football in Berbice and it is our pleasure to do so. This tournament promises to be an exciting one given the smaller football associations the opportunity to thrive in this a national event.”
Yussuf declared that her company, while wishing the footballers and coaches the best, is expecting nothing but the best from the players as they and the loyal supporters will be cheering them on every step of the way. “Make us proud. No pressure.”
Also delivering remarks and expressing gratitude to the Management and Staff of Ansa McAL were, Berbice FA secretary Joseph Simon, East Bank FA PRO Kevin Anthony and East Demerara FA president, Aubrey Hutson.
$1.5M will be awarded to the winners; an upgrade of $500 000 from the proposed $1M first place prize that was presented by the competing associations.
Second place $500 000, third $300 000 and fourth place $100 000 will be the prize money given by Ansa McAl.
Each of the 16 participating teams also received $50 000 from Ansa McAl to aid in their preparations for the tournament.