‘Multi’ vs Waramadong – redemption or Extension

THE Digicel Schools Football Championship has certainly united communities to support their respective teams. It has also helped in the development of the game and from it players have undeniably excelled to become some of the game’s future stars.But with 138 schools participating and $1M up for grabs to go towards a project of their choice, it all boils down to the two teams who share a history of rich rivalry and have certainly shown that they are a cut about the rest – Waramadong and defending champions Christianburg/Wismar Secondary (Multi).
The Guyana National Stadium will be the venue for an epic showdown between the schools from Regions 7 and 10. But first, a clash between Bush Lot Secondary and Beterverwagting (BV) Secondary from 16:00hrs will determine the third-placers.
This will mark the fourth consecutive time Multi are playing in the final, while Waramadong are making their third trip.
In the inaugural tournament, the Lindeners used penalty kicks to evade the boys from the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region in the semifinals but went on to lose 5-3 to GTI in the final.
In the 2012 tournament, the Upper-Demerara side were powerful and made light work of Waramadong in the final, winning 5-2.
Last year, however, Waramadong were poised to win, but a couple of late goals by the champs forced the game to penalty kicks where Multi once again were superior and recorded their second title.
The question now is: Can Waramadong redeem themselves or will the defending champions tighten their already powerful grip on the winners’ trophy and extend their reign as champions?
What makes the game even more interesting is that the styles of play between the two schools are vastly different.
While Waramadong strive better on keeping possession of the ball and playing short and tight passes, Multi play more forcefully, using their height and power to full advantage.
Also, Waramadong are a much younger team and are lacking in size. The Linden squad is made of a few players who will be playing their last Digicel tournament.
Shane Luckie and Donavan Francis are the two forwards who have dismantled the defence of all the teams they have faced and it’s without a doubt that Waramadong will have their hands full, trying to stop the destructive duo.
But the playmaker and danger-man for Multi is their 6’1” midfield player Duquan Hercules. His on-the-spot passing, coupled with his breathtaking free-kicks, has made him into one of the most dangerous players on the defending champions’ roster.
Scores of fans are expected to cram into the National Stadium today to see who will win – will it be extension or redemption.

(By Rawle Toney)