… over G$3.75M in prizes up for grabs
“AS we all know, this is another testimony to our commitment to the development of sports and football in Guyana”. These were the words of Brian Choo-Hen, Brands Manager Banks Beer Banks DIH Ltd at the launching of the 2011 GFA Banks Beer Knockout Cup which kicks off tomorrow at the GFC ground, Bourda.
Sixteen clubs affiliated to the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) vying for over G$3.75M in cash and other prizes.
In his short address, Choo-Hen noted that football has been Guyana’s top sport and has a close association with the company.
Banks DIH and Banks Beer will continue to support the game of football as he urged the fans and players to play fair, respect and support the tournament.
President of the Georgetown Football Association, Major Vernon Burnett, expressed thanks to the beverage giant for answering the call from the GFA in their time of need to sponsor this knockout tournament.
Over the past eight months of the association’s life, the executives sought the company’s help in sponsoring a league as there were no football activities in Georgetown for a 28-month period and the company came aboard in having today the GFA Banks President’s Beer Football League.
He noted the fact that with corporate support from major businesses in Guyana, we cannot go wrong in the promotion of such activities for young people.
Burnett said, “Footballers are normally looking forward to playing in the highest football tournament in Guyana in the December season and clubs in his association were faced with embarrassment when they were not invited to the prestigious Kashif & Shanghai football tournament.
He added that his executives and general council members met and decided on a knockout tournament and that the clubs were eagerly gearing for football and the sponsorship was sought. Banks DIH Ltd answered the call and we will have a fruitful knockout tournament.
Mark Phillips, vice-president of the GFA lamented that this tournament will see sixteen teams affiliated to the GFA, noting that all systems are in place for the commencement and that he is optimistic that the success of this tournament will see an ongoing one in the next year.
The tournament is expected to be played over the next two weeks and will see the operation of a knockout basis being implemented.
Asked if the present Kashif & Shanghai knockout football tournament will see a default in attendance and players affected, Phillips said that the general council of the GFA has agreed that their players will not be a part of that tournament and anyone breaking the barrier will face disciplinary measures.
The tournament is expected to conclude with the finals at the GCC ground on January 1, 2012. The winners of the tournament will receive G$2M while the runners-up, third and fourth places will get G$1M, $500 000, $250 000 respectively.
The participating teams are: Alpha United, Sunburst Camptown, GDF, GPF, Santos, Fruta Conquerors, Riddim Squad, Houston Stars, Flamingo, Beacon, Northern Rangers, University of Guyana, GFC, Renaissance, Black Pearl, Charlestown United, with banks DIH All Star competing.