TWENTY-four teams will do battle at the National Gymnasium over eleven days following the launch of yesterday’s Corona Fustal football tournament.
The tournament, which will feature a cash prize of $600 000 for the winner as well as several other earnings, is set to begin on February 24.

During yesterday’s launch, the organising body Petra through co-Director Troy Mendonca contended that the tournament is aimed at being community-based.
“A decade ago we conceptualised a football tournament that involved these community teams; we went into the communities and sought out individuals and sold an idea to them,” he told media operatives during brief remarks.

“I said that to emphasise the role sport plays in your communities. It creates leaders, social cohesion and helps to develop individuals as a whole,” he added.
The tournament, which is expected to culminate with a grand final on March 31, will feature Alpha Warriors, Pro Kleaners Campbellville, Showstoppers, Mocha, Agricola, Plaisance, Sparta Boss, Ol Skool Ballers, Leopold Street, Albouystown, Kingstown, North East La Penitence, Back Circle, West Front Road, North Ruimveldt, Tiger Bay, Broad Street, Channel 9, Bent Street, Tucvllle, Alexander Village, Future Stars, NK Ballers and Sophia.
Corona Beer Brand Manager Marvin Wray contended that the company is onboard with the tournament because of its community-based approach.

Wray said, “Because of the direct approach to the community development, we saw this not only as an opportunity to be part of the event, but an avenue to be a part of the everyday life of the community.”
“We’ve been partnering with Petra for a few years and we have been pleased with how they organise themselves. They are an effective, organised company that manages the workload,” he added.

The tournament will take a round-robin knock-out style of play with groups of four. The top two teams in each group along with the best four third-place finishers will advance to the knockout round.

Meanwhile as an incentive for teams in the group stage, the top finishers will get an additional $40 000, second-place $30 000, third-place $20 000 and fourth-place $10 000.
In addition, the tournament is giving away one motorbike each to the MVP of the tournament and a special fan. Details of that are to be released shortly.