THE STAG Nations Cup (formerly STAG Super 16) football tournament is set to kick off on December 14 with 20 teams from five associations battling for supremacy.
The tournament, which is a collaborative effort involving the East Bank FA, East Demerara FA, Georgetown FA, West Demerara FA and Berbice FA, was launched yesterday at Ansa McAl, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara.

Speaking at the ceremony Robert Hiscock of Ansa McAl, said they are pleased to be associated with such a wonderful tournament, adding that it is important for the development of the game.
Hiscock stated that the company sees sports as an integral part of the development of any community which is why we are so fond of supporting it.
“There is no better way to jump on board than with one of the most popular brand of football tournaments in Guyana, which is in its third year running and brings so many different leagues together and culminates with a massive final on the January 1, 2017,” he noted.
Third vice-president of the Guyana Football Federation Thandi McAllister stated that she is heartened by this collaborative effort of the associations and the expansion of the Nations Cup.

“I was impressed with the interest shown by the teams involved last year in which Grove Hi-Tech emerged winners.
The GFF is happy with the efforts of the respective associations who would have decided to collaborate in order to expand the tournament so as to ensure football is played continuously, because that is our vision for the game in Guyana,” she said.
She pointed out that football does a lot for the youths and communities and lauded Ansa McAl under its STAG brand for once again partnering with the football fraternity. McAllister said she hopes to see more associations get involved in the future and urged that fair play and good sportsmanship be the hallmark of the competition.

Head of the East Bank FA, Franklin Wilson, indicated that due to the extension from 16 teams to 20, a playoff will commence on Wednesday at Golden Grove to decide the final four teams that will go through to the last 16, since the top four teams from Georgetown, top two from West Demerara FA, East Bank FA, East Demerara FA and Berbice FA have gained automatic berths.
Wilson indicated that matches will be played in all the associations and felt that was needed so that each of the associations will enjoy their teams in action.
Georgetown FA are currently involved in a playoff to decide their other two representatives because the top four teams from their previous tournament have been guaranteed a place in the last 16.

The opening fixture pits Mahaicony Thunder against the number six side from Georgetown at 18:30hrs followed by New Amsterdam against Golden Star at 20:30hrs.
Additional entertainment will be provided at the final which is expected to be played at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.
The champions will pocket G$2M, the runners-up $1M, third-placers $500 000, fourth-placers $300 000 and fifth-placers $200 000.