TABATINGA FC and Guyana Rush Saints won the 2023 Rupununi Football Association (RFA) male and female titles at the finals witnessed by a large crowd at the Wadapna ground in Lethem on Saturday.

Tabatinga FC scored a 4-1 win over Strikers FC in a fast-paced men’s final and now earn the right to represent the RFA at the forthcoming Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Playoffs.

Dielson Da Silva sent Tabatinga into the lead in the eighth minute before Werberth Sousa scored the second goal to give their team a 2-0 lead at first half.
Carlos Jonas continued Tabatinga’s onslaught in the second half with a strike in the 69th minute. Felix Berthcomea scored for Strikers in the 75th minute before Jonas returned for his second goal during injury time.

In the women’s final, defending champions Guyana Rush Saints defended their crown with a 3-1 victory over Kanuku Warriors.
Glorciene Assis opened the account for Guyana Rush Saints in the fifth minute with a well-timed strike before Amanda Cabral scored in the 37th minute to secure a 2-0 lead at half time. Alea Pedro placed her team further into the lead in the 51st minute but the Warriors bounced back to score a consolation goal in the 67th minute off the boot of Josephena Leonard.
The tournaments attracted a record 53 teams — 29 male and 24 female teams.

During the presentation of ceremony, President of the RFA, Norbert Williams was loud in praise of the large number of teams for the 2023 season.
“The RFA is extremely proud of this turnout, this might be a largest participation of teams ever in any association in Guyana.”

Williams said the GFF has been very instrumental in support of the RFA by providing both financial assistance and equipment towards development of the sport in the region. He also expressed appreciation to the sponsors for their continued support.

Technical Director of the GFF Bryan Joseph who represented President Wayne Forde said that the RFA continues to be a torchbearer in the development of local football. Also in attendance was the GFF’s Director of Competitions Troy Peters.