Chung Global ‘Champion of Champions’ Futsal..

IN what can be considered the greatest underdog story in the history of local futsal, giant killers North Ruimveldt will battle traditional heavyweight Gold is Money in the final of the inaugural Chung Global ‘Champion of Champions’ tournament at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.

The encounter will put the offensive might of Gold is Money against the dogged defending of North Ruimveldt.
The youthful North Ruimveldt unit has produced a fairytale run to the final and is one obstacle away from claiming an unlikely and unprecedented championship in what is their maiden appearance in a major futsal finale.

North Ruimveldt secured their place in the final after defeating North East La Penitence. They are also responsible for the exits of powerhouses Sparta Boss and Back Circle following victories in the previous rounds.

Defensively, North Ruimveldt has only allowed two goals in the entirety of the tournament, one of which occurred in the elimination round, which is the best record in the event. Another sublime performance will be required from their high-energy defence if they are to emerge victorious.

Offensively, the event’s ‘dark horse’ has recorded 11 conversions, which is indicative of a team that has quality on both sides of the field.

On the other side, Gold is Money will enter the match as the favourite following a 4-0 thrashing of Stabroek Ballers.

On the offensive end, the West Virginia-based outfit has tallied a tournament-leading 15 conversions, which highlights the quality of their roster in the final third.

However, it is defensively where the doubts persist for Gold is Money, as they have conceded four times in the tournament. An improvement will be required in their aspect for them to prevail this evening.

Troy Lambert, tournament coordinator, said, “This evening will decide whether a traditional giant and the status quo resign supreme or an underdog ascends to the throne. This final has to be the most unexpected championship match in recent history. It was billed as competitive, and that is evidently the case given the teams that made the semifinal round. Sparta Boss, Bent Street, and Back Circle fell at the previous hurdles, two of whom lost to North Ruimveldt. I’m very proud that the tournament was able to produce unexpected and thrilling results, and this shows that this format is evolving and teams are improving. Given the nature of the event, it is impossible to predict a winner, and I am anticipating a thrilling final.”

Meanwhile, North East La Penitence and Stabroek Ballers, prior to the final, will battle in the third-place playoff.

Also, GT Kanaimas and the Guyana Police Force will face off in a women’s encounter, while Bent Street A and Back Circle A will match skills in an exhibition encounter.
Exhibition fixtures will also be conducted between Bent Street B and Back Circle B, as well as Laing Avenue and Leopold Street in the U-16 division.

The winner of the event will pocket $1,000,000 and the championship trophy, while the second, third, and fourth-place finishers will receive $500,000, $300,000, and $200,000 and the corresponding accolade, respectively.

On the individual side, prizes will also be given to the highest goal scorer, most valuable player, best defender, and goalkeeper, respectively.

Complete Fixtures
20:00hrs: Leopold U-16 vs. Laing Avenue U-16
20:30hrs: Bent Street B vs. Back Circle B
21:00hrs: Bent Street A vs. Back Circle A
21:30hrs: Stabroek Ballers vs. North East
22:00hrs: Women’s final – GT Kanaimas vs. Police
22:30hrs: Gold is Money vs. North Ruimveldt