… tournament kicks off February 7

THE East Bank Football Association (EBFA) yesterday teamed up with Ansa McAl under its Stag Beer brand, to launch its league which commences on February 7.
Eight teams are set to vie for the tournament’s $300 000 first prize and with the winner also claiming bragging rights as the best team under the EBFA.“The launch shows Ansa McAl’s commitment to the sport of football, particularly outside of Georgetown,” explained Stag Beer Brand representative John Maikoo while addressing the media at his company’s Beterverwagting-based head office.
According to Maikoo, the East Bank League is seen as one of importance to his entity since it’s the first league they have ever sponsored through Stag Beer.
He added, “It’s important that football be played in other areas. We have sponsored leagues on the East Coast and we have the one the West Bank that is currently playing. So we at Ansa McAl, especially Stag Beer, are extremely happy to make this happen on the East Bank where we know there is a huge following.”
Meanwhile, Wayne Francois, the EBFA president expressed profound gratitude to the distributing company for sponsoring their league, noting “Ansa McAl is always willing to help and for that we’re always grateful. I know the league will be a welcome one and will be fully supported.”
Francois said that with his association just concluding a tournament that was fully sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the players and supporters of the game are eagerly anticipating the start of the league to settle a few scores.
Newly installed General Secretary Franklyn Wilson endorsed Francois’ sentiments, further adding that the primary venue for the league would be the Grove Community Centre since it’s the only one which gives the EBFA a revenue.
The participating teams are Grove Hi-Tech, Timehri Panthers, Diamond United, Herstelling Football Club, Soesdyke Falcons, Kuru Kururu Warriors and Mocha Champs. squad
Wilson said that with Grove Hi-Tech involved in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Premier League, they will have to field an entire different team outside of the current players who are a part of the Federation’s nationwide tournament.
Second through fourth will pocket $200 000, 100 000 and $50 000.
“The thing is, we don’t want to shower this league with heavy prizes since we want to build the brand first to attract more sponsors,” said Wilson.

(By Rawle Toney)