Teams scrambling to make final 16 qualifiers

UNDOUBTEDLY the most famous of the street football tournaments in the country, teams are scrambling to fill up entry forms to participate in the qualifiers to make this year’s Georgetown Zone of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ tournament set to kick off on March 15, at the National Park.

With sixteen teams already automatically qualified, the race is on to see who will join them in this year’s eagerly anticipated competition, which is returning after an unavoidable hiatus.
Thirty-two of the top teams from Georgetown will vie for bragging rights and the right to be crowned champion over eight days of competition along with lucrative prize monies and trophies, while an automatic berth in the national final is assured.

Guinness Brand executive, Lee Baptiste, speaking recently, said that,because of the tournament’s absence for a prolonged period, they are just as excited and anxious as the teams and fans to see the unrivalled tournament make its return to the sports calendar.

“We are hoping that the tournament enjoys a triumphant return, and it is played with the same discipline and creates a similar kind of excitement that was witnessed in previous years,” Baptiste said.

He revealed that to this end they have been planning meticulously to ensure that teams, management staff and fans who come out to the event have a great time, a feature that is usually associated with the tournament.

The other playing days are March 16,17, 22,23,24 and 30 with the final set for the 31st.

He added that this year’s zone opener will enjoy unprecedented media exposure, informing that all platforms will be utilised to promote the event.

Defending champion Gold is Money will be aiming to secure its third consecutive title, an honour if they are successful and will make them the first team to do so.

However, teams such as Sparta Boss, Bent Street, Back Circle, Stabroek Ballers, Sophia, Team Cruel and Alexander Village among others will be aiming to dismantle them from their throne.

Judging from recent competitions, this year’s tournament could be one of the most evenly contested and exciting in recent memory with a cadre of young upcoming teams eager to stamp their name in the annals of the tournament.

There is sufficient proof to suggest a new champion will be crowned, but not many pundits are daring to write off the more established teams yet.

This year will also witness a more vibrant community interaction aimed at bringing communities together to create social cohesion among its residents and to identify talent within the participating communities.

What is guaranteed are exciting matches and giveaways for fans.

Details of the tournament’s official launch will be released shortly.