‘Semis’ set for today
THE top four clubs in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League promotional play-off will be in action today in the semi-final showdown at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary.
Slingerz FC of West Demerara will square-off with Winners Connections FC of Upper Demerara in the curtain raiser at 18:00 hours, while the second game will bring together Beacon of Georgetown against Monedderlust of Berbice at 20:00 hours.
Monedderlust FC secured the maximum six points in Group A, with Beacon FC and Slingerz, Groups B and C winners also claiming the maximum six points.
Winners Connection was the best second- placed team, edging out Tabatinga of Rupununi with a better goal average after both teams finished on three points.
Former national striker Anthony “Awo” Abrams propelled Beacon to the top with six of the team’s eight goals in the playoffs.
Abrams, who is Beacon’s captain, scored four goals in his team’s 5-3 win over Tabatinga FC. He also scored a double against Herstelling Raiders of East Bank Demerara. Tabatinga’s Deivision DaSilva finished the competition with four goals.
Slingerz’ path to the semi-finals was secured with victories over Dominators FC of Essequibo 6-0, and Winners Connection 1-0, while Monedderlust FC won against Beacon FC of Bartica 4-1 and 3-0 over Buxton Stars of East Coast Demerara.
Winners Connection FC claimed a walkover from Dartmouth to secure three points and three goals from the fixture.
Some of the players expected to be on show are Shawn Adonis, Deon Alfred, Sheldon Holder, and Jermey Garnett (Slingerz), Albert De Souza, Charles Archer, Andre Philips and Nicholas Gentle (Winners Connection), Teron Delph, Paul McDonald, Dawit Watts, Alpha Stephney (Monedderlust) and Abrams, Wendell St. Hill, Keon Douglas, Jecuan Cole and Simon Emanuel (Beacon).
The final will be played on January 6, 2024.
The winning club will be promoted to the Elite League’s Season 6 next season, while the runner-up side will also be given a second chance to play in the Elite League when they oppose Victoria Kings, the bottom-placed team from Season 5, for a spot next year.
The GFF Elite League promotional play-off commenced on December 17 with nine victorious teams from the Member Associations’ Leagues fervently competing for a coveted spot in the prestigious Elite League Season Six, scheduled for 2024.
Participating clubs are: Beacons (Bartica Football Association), Beacons (Georgetown Football Association), Buxton Stars (East Coast Demerara Football Association), Dartmouth (Essequibo/Pomeroon Football Association), Herstelling Raiders (East Bank Demerara Football Association), Monnederlust (Berbice Football Association), Slingerz (West Demerara Football Association), Tabatinga (Rupununi Football Association), and Winners Connection (Upper Demerara Football Association).
The Elite League represents GFF President Wayne Forde’s vision for advancing club football, acting as a crucial avenue for players aiming to transition into the national programme.
