20th Annual K&S F/ball tournaments …
… Lumumba threaten legal action
QUARTER-final action in the 20th Annual Kashif and Shanghai football tournament hangs in the balance as Alpha United’s president Odinga Lumumba declared that his team would not be playing at the Mackenzie Sports Club as was related to him by the organisers.

Addressing members of the media yesterday at the Waterchris Hotel, Lumumba informed that on Tuesday he received a correspondence from the organisers of the tournament informing that Alpha United and Fruta Conquerors will face each other in a quarter-final fixture at the MSC ground, but according to the politician, no reason/s was given for the change in venue.

According to the original fixture, Alpha are down to face Fruta Conquerors in the feature game tomorrow at the Guyana National Stadium and not the MSC ground.

Lumumba declared that his team (Alpha United) is not afraid of any other local team “but principle is involved.”

However, yesterday, the Kashif and Shanghai organisation issued a statement which states that the fixture relating to the game Alpha United versus Fruta Conquerors will be played at the GFC ground on Saturday from 20:00 h.

Asked to comment further, Kashif Muhammad told Chronicle Sport he has nothing further to say.

The Presidential adviser on empowerment (Lumumba) congratulated the organisers of the annual tournament, stating that they have done a great job for the development of the sport locally, “but as you get big you start doing things unethically.

“We received a fixture stating once we (Alpha United) beat Grove Hi-Tech, we would have to play our next match at the national stadium, but yesterday (Tuesday) we received a letter informing us that we would now have to play our next game at the MSC.

“I personally spoke to Kashif (Muhammad) and told him let’s sit down and discuss this matter and the next thing I know, is I get a letter informing me that we have to play at MSC.

“He said it is his tournament and he can do whatever he wants to do.

“I also questioned them … I said it is unfair for Pele to play all their matches at the stadium and for Alpha to go back to the MSC … you can’t have two Georgetown teams playing in Linden … this is clear bias by the organizers … so I’m calling on football fans and supporters to ask a question.

“I spent quite a lot of money preparing my team for this tournament.

“We want to play Pele, we’ll bury them … but the organisers must be fair we’re not going to play at any cost … we’ll use every pressure legally … I spoke to GDF and they also have a problem with the switch in venues and according to them, they are in the process of sending off a letter to Kashif and Shanghai … we’re not slaves, but it is the principle that is involved.

“They have to follow the rules that govern football … they have to follow the GFF (Guyana Football Federation) rules as well as FIFA rules.

“Shanghai (Aubrey Major) is a good man, but I told him, being an executive of the GFF and running this tournament, you’ll run into problems.

Alpha United’s captain Howard Lowe who was also present yesterday, in brief remarks stated that he respects the organisers, “but at the same time, principle is involved.

“I received a fixture which clearly shows that on December 25 we will be playing at the national stadium, and now we hear there is a change in the venue.

“I personally think that all clubs need to stand up … it’s not about them … without the clubs there would not be a tournament.”

Lumumba said the organisers have to make a decision by today and as far as he is concerned, his team is playing at the National stadium tomorrow and they will turn up there fully kitted out for their match.

Lowe said his team members want to play badly but they are not comfortable with the change in venue.

Lumumba in his closing remarks stated that the GFF, FIFA or the High Court would have to make a decision. He said he has already spoken with CONCACAF and FIFA officials personally and has been guided wisely.