By Ras Wadada

THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has announced yet another kick-off date for the start of Season Two of the STAG Elite League being November 20. The start has been continuously delayed due to the insistence of four clubs, who have all formally written to the Federation to confirm their withdrawals.
Yesterday, GFF at a press briefing held at the Federation’s office informed the media of the new kick-off date and that the four disgruntled teams have until today to register, failing which the League will proceed with six teams.
Director of Competitions, Rev. Ian Alves, in his outline of the upcoming season stated that there is an increase of $3M in cash prizes from season one’s $15M, as well as stipends for players where the fee has moved from $1 500 to $3 500 per game per player.
Alves added that six venues have been confirmed for the two-round competition including for the first time, the MSC and DCC grounds.
The other facilities that will entertain games are: Buxton Community Centre, Number Five Village, Tucville Community Centre and the GDF ground. The director also made it clear that the allowance of five overseas players per team will be in effect and that the proposal to decrease the amount to three players per team was revoked.
The much-awaited season two will also offer a brand new Honda XR 150cc motorcycle to the League’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), compliments of new sponsor, Marics. Other new sponsors on board with the GFF for the new season are: CAMEX Restaurant Group, GNNL and EC Vieira Investments Ltd., while MOUs will be inked shortly with Impressions, NCN and PAHO.
President of the GFF, Wayne Forde, in his brief remarks welcomed the additional sponsorship while expressing gratitude of the Federation for the contributions. The representatives of the various sponsors all voiced their delight in being part of the STAG Elite League and thanked the GFF for the invitation to be part of the season.
NCN’s CEO, Lennox Cornette spoke of the popularity of the sport worldwide, and here in Guyana where he is still involved as a part-time player. Dawn Braithwaite, Director of Training of CAMEX Restaurant stressed the importance of education in the lives of the footballers and offered to help in that specific area.
Also making brief remarks, yesterday, were Romel Richmond, Marketing and Sales Manager of Marics Honda and Linden Henry of major sponsor, STAG Beer.