OVER the past 23 years of its existence on the local football scene, the Kashif and Shangai Organisation has achieved numerous feats, giving yeoman service to many local footballers who with their respective clubs, whether as a bona fide or guest player, benefited in some form or the other as they competed in the annual year-end tournament.

Indeed, the K&S tournament has existed the longest in the local football industry, with many players, administrators, fans, enthusiasts and pundits attesting to the fact, but during the years of their organising the year end tournament, many landmarks were achieved, some noticeable and some unnoticeable.

Who would believe that foreign teams from around the Caribbean and even as far as the United States of America, would have graced these shores to rub shoulders with the best clubs Guyana has, or what about the 55 players who over the years became involved in the Trinidad and Tobago semi-professional league and many other countries!

All this was made possible, through the K&S Organisation, In 2009 the great King Pele graced these shores with his presence to address the opening ceremony of that year’s edition of the tournament.

“We remember the landmarks well, but the one that stands out in my mind is the national event that we gave to the nation in 2009, through the visit of the great King Pele.”

Those were the words of Director of the K&S Organisation Kashif Muhammad, who was at the time, addressing the opening of K&S Organisation/Chico Elite Next Generation (CENG) football tournament at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground last Sunday afternoon.

Muhammad captivated his audience which included Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony, Chief Education Officer Olata Sam, president of the Guyana Football Federation Christopher Matthias and other invited guest, by saying the CENG will be targeting the intellectual development of the students.

“You will remember in the more recent years, the thousands that we attracted to the Guyana National Stadium to witness the final of our event, which to our mind is a matter of public record. We are proud of the mark that we have made on national football and we treasure the national recognition that our Organisation has received to that effect.

Today marks the start of a new journey. “We are partnering with the Ministry of Education to stage our first Inter-Secondary School tournament and we take this venture particularly seriously.

“In fact, we strive to afford these games a level of attention that compares favourably with what applied to the competition amongst the senior clubs,” said Muhammad.

He added, “I want to thank the parents who are here … And I want to assure you that this tournament is entirely in keeping with what you would want for your children. In the same way you want your youngsters to excel academically, I believe that you also want them to benefit from the kind of physical and mental exercises that will add both years and value to their lives.

“Some of the spinoffs from this event, target the intellectual development of the youngsters. Many of the prizes and incentives that will be made available will be designed to support the intellectual development of the youngsters as well.”

He reminded those in attendance, of his Organisation’s desire to select a squad which will be engaging teams from Suriname and St Lucia in a three-way tournament during the first quarter of next year.

Following other remarks from Dr Anthony, Sam, Matthias and Public Relations Officer of Ansa McAl Limited Darshanie Yusuf, the tournament got under way with two matches, where East Ruimveldt Secondary defeated Wisburg Secondary 3-2 on penalty kicks after a 3-3 stalemate, while Ann’s Grove mauled Christ Church 9-1 in the second encounter.

Kevin Peters (25th and 65th) and Darrell Pellew (44th and 63rd) netted a brace for Ann’s Grove, complemented by solitary strikes from Shane Simpson (45th), Jamal Blair (48th), Ocemie Griffith (76th) along with a Daniel Francis injury-time strike and an own goal which handed the Upper East Coast-based school the win.

Jovanty Best pulled one back for Christ Church in the 75th minute, but it was all over bar the shouting at that stage, since their custodian Shemar Carrington had an unforgettable night between the uprights.

The winner of the tournament which culminates on January 1 2014 (New Year’s Day), will pocket a record G$1.2M with 75% going towards a project identified by the school, along with the Championship trophy and 25 replicas which will be on display throughout the tournament.

The second-, third- and fourth-placed finishers will receive $750 000, $500 000 and $250 000 respectively, with 75% going towards a project as well, while the second- and third-placed teams will be presented with silver and bronze medallions and the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) one laptop and a stint with a Trinidad and Tobago pro-team.
Written By Calvin Roberts