THE Georgetown Football Association on Sunday evening kicked off the 5th edition of the Banks Beer Knockout Cup at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, with the watchword for the two-week tournament being ‘Discipline’.This was the main word in the keynote address by Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, who officially declared the proceedings open following a march past of the 16 participating teams.
Ramjattan said, “To know that so many young people here are involved tells me that the order and discipline that we require of our players is going to come very soon.”
Director of Sport Christopher Jones chimed in by adding. “We are committed to supporting your best interests. So congratulations to the GFA. We look forward to seeing the level of professionalism and discipline on the field,” Banks Brand Manager Brian Choo-Hen indicated that his company is more than committed to the sponsoring of the year-end tournament because they have noticed the success
“You are the catalyst for change for football. Your attitude will determine the fans that will support you. Your attitude will determine the sponsorship of Banks DIH and other stakeholders,’ commented GFA president Clifton Hicken.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were the first team to advance to the next round of competition after they beat Eastveldt United 2-1.
Leeron Charles opened the scoring for Police in the fifth minute with a penalty shot, after which the Eastveldt side responded three minutes later via the same method when David George’s shot from the spot beat the goalkeeper.
The game continued onward with both sides failing to capitalize on their chances; first half bringing no decider.
Late in the second half, however, (89th minute) Police solidly sealed the deal thanks to a driving shot from Keron Boston.
In game two, the Western Tigers demolished Hope FC 6-1 in a one-sided contest.
The physical Western side exerted their dominance in play from the whistle, looking to overwhelm the Berbice side which they did comfortably.
Dwayne Ali opened the floodgates in the 21st minute before Rondolph Wagner netted the second in the 39th.
A 60th minute strike from Daron Benjamin, a second for Wagner in the 70th and a back-to-back strike by Jamal Pedro (72nd and 85th) meant that the Tigers are now the team to watch in the two-week tournament.
Matches resume on Saturday, December 19, at the Number Five ground West Coast, Berbice at 19:00hrs where Blackwater United will take on New Amsterdam United while Rosignol United lock horns with Cougars FC.
By Stephan Sookram
