… tournament kicks off February 16 in Uitvlugt
THE first edition marked the birth of one of Guyana’s premier football clubs – Slingerz FC – and one year later, Ansa McAl is teaming up with the West Demerara-based club to host the second Stag Beer Mashramani Champion Cup tournament, which kicks off at the Uitvlugt community Centre ground on February 16. Seven other clubs will be looking to wrestle the title away from Slingerz FC, who had defeated Den Amstel 3–0 to win last year’s competition. Just like 2013, the winners will pocket $500 000, second- placers $300 000, third-placers $200 000 and fourth-placers $100 000.
“Last year’s tournament was a huge success for the brand,” said Stag Beer brand manager John Maikoo who was speaking at the event’s launch which took place at his company’s Beterverwagting Office Boardroom.
“I must admit, the partnership between Slingerz FC and Stag Beer is a very productive one, so this year, we were actually looking forward to making this tournament happen and now we pledge our full support into making this event a huge success,” Maikoo said.
Christine Schmidt, vice-president of the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA), said “the people from the West Side are addicted to football and I want to thank both Slingerz FC and Stag Beer for making this tournament happen again.
“Last year it was huge and the people all enjoyed it and the competitive spirit that it brought out in the teams and this year we know that people will enjoy it even more.”
Newly appointed team captain Vurlon Mills advocated for Fair Play to prevail, while also pointing out that his club is fully aware that the other teams are not going to roll over and allow them to win the tournament for a second time.
“I know that everyone wants to win, but my team is ready to defend the title. However, I want to encourage the other team and players to play in good spirit and let’s give the fans another great tournament,” Mills noted. Written By Rawle Toney