….Slingerz and Alpha ready for showdown
By: Ras Wadada
SOMETIME close to the end of today or very early in the new day, the national champion of the “Beautiful Game” here in Guyana will be crowned after the final game of the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) eight-team Elite Club competition is completed at the Leonora Park Stadium.
As is expected, the two most financially sound football units in the country, Alpha United and Slingerz FC will contest the ‘Grand Finale’ for the top prize worth G$4M, and more importantly the enviable title of National Club Champions.The second phase of the inaugural national elite football League, which was introduced last year, will again climax with the country’s newest football rivalry which consists of the cream of the current crop of national players and labelled as – West side versus East side.
Not since the ’70s, when there was the Pele-Santos rivalry has there been a much-looked- forward-to football clash as tonight’s meeting.
Eastsiders, Alpha United, came on strong towards the end of the two-round league matches and then emphatically disposed of Fruta Conquerors 4-0 in the semi-final, while rivals from the West side, Slingerz, toyed with Pele FC for an easy 3-1 victory in the other semi-final after playing unbeaten in their 14 League games.
Both teams had their final training session yesterday morning and judging from the confidence exuded by them, fans can expect a highly competitive game tonight, though the unevenness of the pitch will be a great test on either half.
Head Coach of Alpha, Wayne “Wiggy” Dover informed Chronicle Sport prior to training yesterday that his squad is ready for the clash.
“The players are very upbeat and optimistic. They are all very confident, so I don’t see anything standing in our way as the mood in the camp is fantastic. The guys are determined to close the season with an emphatic result, so that we can repay the owner of the club for all the contributions he has made over the season. We are going to be going at them from the very first whistle to test them and see what they have. We are going to be playing high- pressure football. There is no secret in game plan at this stage. As it is we are the defending national champs and Slingerz are trying to get that title, but we will retain our title.”
Coach Dover was also highly complimentary of the almost perfect performance of his opponents, but still insisted his side will prevail, “We have seen a high level of consistently good football played by Slingerz and we cannot take away that from them. They have been the team all season, but recently they looked dull, while Alpha have shown a level of sharpness.
“I expect a close game, with the team that makes the fewer mistakes winning and of course that is Alpha. I have also observed a sense of nervousness in their camp and we will surely capitalise on this.
There is no nervousness in our camp. In fact, now is the time to restore some pride in the team and retain our status as the number one team in the country.”
His opposite, Coach Joseph “Bill” Wilson, is equally confident that his charges will come out on top of the team that has ruled football in the country for a number of years and rightfully claim the title of national club supremacy.
“I can safely say we are ready to take our rightful place as the number one team in the country and we are not too bothered with what the opposition have in their minds. The players have worked hard all season to reach to this point and they are all hungry for the Championship.
“ We will leave no stone unturned in pursuit of victory, since our long-term plan is to play to the level where we can successfully compete with the top clubs of the Region. And we are getting there. Our finishing has always been a bother and tonight I expect it to be much improved.”
The Alpha five-man midfield (Captain Dwight Peters, Daniel Wilson, Philbert Moffatt, Dwayne Jacobs and Andrew Murray Jr.) is expected to be compact in defence and attack with a sole forward in the evergreen Anthony “Awo” Abrams, who at 36 years old continues to score even at the international level. The four-man defence (Colin Nelson, Solomon Austin, Joshua Browne and Chris Comacho) also appears rock solid and will be supported by Richie Richards within the uprights.
Slingerz will be spearheaded by midfielder and Captain, Tichard Joseph, who will play alongside Clive Nobrega and Trayon Bobb. The attack will also be a trio, consisting of Devon Millington, Dexroy Adams and Dominican International, Julian Wade. The four-man defence is made up of Quincy Adams, Les Charles, Kester Jacobs and the Brazillian, Morello, while Vincentian Winslow McDowell will guard the citadel. Notable omission is midfield/forward Vurlon Mills who is out with an injured right knee.
On paper, Alpha looks stronger but on the field of play, no team has played more cohesively and more organised in the Elite league than the “Bill” Wilson-coached side which also holds the sole distinction of never losing a game on the pitch in the history of the competition. Tonight’s Grand Finale game has a total prize money worth, G$6M with the loser taking home G$2M.
All four teams on show tonight will be rewarded financially. The opening game set for 19:00 hrs will be played between losing semi-finalists, Pele FC and Fruta Conquerors FC with the winner cashing in on one million dollars, while the loser will walk away G$500,000. richer.
The Guyana Defence Force female sergeant, Maureecs Skeete, will carry the whistle for tonight’s Grand Finale.
