6TH GUINNESS ‘GREATEST OF DE STREETS’

Mendonca not pleased with teams’ performance so far

..Action continues tonight

CO-DIRECTOR of the Petra Organisation, Troy Mendonca, yesterday expressed his displeasure at the way the teams have been battling for supremacy in the sixth annual Banks DIH Guinness ‘Greatest of de Streets’ Futsal football competition, which continues tonight on the tarmac of the National Cultural Centre.Speaking with Chronicle Sport in an invited comment from his Durban Street based business entity, Mendonca, who forms the core of Petra Organization along with Marlon Cole, singled out defending champions, Leopold Street and former champions Back Circle, as two of the teams whose performances to date have been lackadaisical.
“For me to say that I am pleased with the two nights of action that we have had so far, would be a big fat lie because I am not pleased with the display by the teams, especially the defending champions, Leopold Street and former champions Back Circle.
“These two teams have represented Guyana in the Caribbean Guinness ‘Greatest of de Streets’ competition and one would expect that having had such exposure, they would have brought something far different that what they are bringing to this year’s tournament,” posited Mendonca.
He added, “I do hope that the weather conditions which prevailed during the period those matches were played, had a part to do with the performances of the teams and we get a better showing from tonight, since it is what the fans come out to see – good quality football – and we are expecting the same as organisers.”
Quizzed on whether some of the teams were going through the motion, knowing that they have at least $10,000 to collect at the end of the preliminary rounds, Mendonca without hesitation, replied in the negative.
“All the teams were eager to compete. We had registrations from so many teams who were wiling to compete, since the bigger picture is getting a chance to represent Guyana in next year’s Caribbean Guinness’ ‘Greatest of de Streets’ tournament, but some of the teams lacked the technical aspect for this type of football.
“With that in mind, you can certainly guess without question, my disappointment at the performances of both Leopold Street and Back Circle, for as I said earlier, they have tasted victory in this tournament and also experienced playing in the Caribbean tournament.”
A strong testament of Mendonca’s words, was evident on the opening night when Leopold Street were handed a wake up call by Laing Avenue, who, thanks to Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams’ hat trick, came away with a 4-2 win.
And on the second night of action, Festival City, another pre-tournament favorite were given their own wake up call from North East LaPenitence, who edged them 2-1 in an enthralling encounter, while Back Circle used penalty kicks to defeat South Sophia.
To date, 49 goals have been scored during regulation time in the tournament, 26 of which were recorded during the opening night and the remainder on the second night, with South Sophia’s Stayon Frank holding the fastest goal to date, his five seconds strike against Back Circle, while Abrams’ hat trick remains the most by any player.
Tonight’s action will see Festival City looking to redeem themselves when they go up against Sophia North in the night’s opening fixture, with Back Circle hoping for an improved performance against North East LaPenitence in the second match.
Stevedore Housing Scheme will be looking to chalk up their first win, when they face Norton Street West in the third fixture, followed by North (last Entrance) and Berlin Massive’ encounter before the Guinness break.
After the break, Broad Street ‘B’ will go head to head with Laing Avenue, Tucville and Riverview will keep their date, Durban Street will seek to get a better result when they oppose Bent Street, while East LaPenitence and Alexander Village will culminate the night’s proceedings.
Thirty-two teams from across the City are playing for the top prize of $500,000, with the second, third and fourth placed teams taking home $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively along with trophies.
Along with the above mentioned prizes, teams can pocket an additional $25,000, $20,000, $15,000 and $10,000 each, according to their placing at the end of the preliminary round.
The top two finishers of this tournament will go on to represent Georgetown in the national playoffs, with the winner representing Guyana in the regional Guinness Street Football Competition to be held in Trinidad and Tobago next year.

(By Calvin Roberts)

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