As Georgetown’s top club Alpha United was destroying the hopes of Lindens’ Top XX and their supporters by stubbornly holding on to their one goal lead in the final of the 18th Annual Kashif and Shanghai football tournament, Stabroek Sport sought the comments of football fans on the tournament.
Here is what some had to say:
Mark Perry (Security Official of Kashif and Shanghai Organization)
“This is my first time at this tournament and it was very exciting. Persons came to the games in numbers to support their respective teams, which augurs well not only for the organizers, but the sport also, getting their monies worth in football action.
Another one of the pluses for the organizers was the non violent behaviour of the spectators at all the matches. Their behaviour was of an exceptionally high standard and that speaks volumes for the dynamic duo. Government’s support was a tremendous boost and come next year I would love to be a part of this tournament once again. The Linden community and Guyana on the whole can benefit from such.”
Stellon David (Guest Player Rusal Football team)
“I am not satisfied with the standard of play due to the ground conditions. Had the field been a bit drier, football fans would have gotten the opportunity of seeing much better football action than the ones they got.
Players were not in a position to fully showcase their talent because of the soggy conditions of the venues used for the matches. Despite that, the tournament was still an exciting one that is customary of the organizers.”
Jamila Chapman (Student)
“This years competition was excellent despite the weather and ground conditions. I was disappointed that the third and fourth place matches did not take place due to the condition of the ground. However, all the matches were fairly contested between the teams with the better team coming out on top.”
Ray ‘Copter’ Anderson (Entertainer/ Table Tennis coach)
“If given the scope, the Kashif and Shanghai tournament can be a big event on the football calendar for the Caribbean. I am proud of their achievements with this competition so far. This competition has opened doors for our footballers who are now showcasing their skills in Trinidad and the rest of the world. The Golden Jaguars era began through this tournament. Also the partnership between Jamal Shabbazz and the Guyana Football Federation materialized through the dynamic efforts of this duo.
18 years of something is not easy especially in Guyana, and for this pair to be in operation for so long doing what they do best, which is organize a football tournament from grass root level to where it is great. The timely intervention of the Government is a tremendous boost also.
This duo don’t only organize football tournaments, they also give back to the community. Just recently, Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams was the recipient of a racing cycle worth well over $200,000.00 and there are other charitable donations that they contribute towards using the proceeds from the tournaments.
The only hiccup they are faced with is the irrigation of the grounds used for the tournament. The authorities should have the irrigation of these venues checked and ensure they are in proper condition from around August month end.”
Leon Figueira (Bosai employee)
“The tournament has been good so far. Lots of fair plays were displayed by teams that competed to date and all the matches were well supported by football fans despite the weather conditions. Players also displayed a lot of discipline towards the game.
On the spectators, they were very well behaved throughout the matches held so far whilst there were no matters of concern. All in all, it was a fairly organized tournament despite the weather which we have no control over. Also all the predictions I have made have come through with the exception of the finals.”
Vanessa Davis (PRO, Bosai)
“This year’s competition saw a better display of football than previous years although conditions were not so great. The weather which we have no control over left the venues used in a soggy state thus preventing the footballers from displaying their talent to the fullest.
The sponsors should have graced the venues with their presence whilst corporate Guyana needs to come forward and help keep this tournament going as it is a yearly thing on the football calendar here in Guyana. All and sundry look forward to the Xmas season not only for the festivities, but the Kashif and Shanghai football tournament especially the finals.”
Quacy Paddy (Public Servant)
“This year’s Kashif and Shanghai tournament has been very entertaining despite the conditions of the venues used. The players gave of their all in the matches so far although the weather played havoc with some of the games. The quality of football displayed was high and could have been higher were it not for the soggy condition of the ground.
The teams that contested the tournament also played well, but the better team won on the day.”
Michelle Jackman (Public Servant)
“The tournament has been spectacular over the years when it was played at different venues around the country. This year, with only two venues being used at first and then having it reduced to one caused a lot to be taken away from the tournament, dampening the spirits of some spectators who were looking forward to the semi finals being played at the GFC ground.
The weather also placed a dampen feelings on some of the matches as persons stayed away. We have no control over the weather which left the venues in a soggy condition. This prevented the players from showcasing their talent to the fullest.
On a sad note, the toilet and accommodation facilities for the fans need to be improved. Apart from this, the tournament was of excellent standard and my compliments to the organizers.”
Anonymous
“The teams chosen to contest this year’s competition were well selected by the selection panel. I think that the Berbice team (Monedderlust) would have given Topp XX a better fight and even spring a surprise if the venue was in a better condition.
The officiating in some games was substandard. The officials need to be firm and comply with the rules fully. I saw in one game, a player being brought down in the box and to the surprise of the spectators and players, the officials placed the ball outside of the box even though the player whom the infringement was committed on did not move for about two minutes protesting the decision of the referee.
Apart from this, it was a well organized tournament. The weather did intervene at times, but the organizers have no control over that. Hats off to the Kashif and Shanghai organization for pulling off another wonderful tournament.”
