“Competition wise, this year is one of our best ever in 20 years,” said Kashif Muhammad, co-organiser of the Kashif and Shanghai Football tournament which wrapped up last Friday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.
In the final, BK International Western Tigers defeated Alpha United 2-0 while Sunburst Camptown finished third when they overwhelmed Pele 4-2.
Speaking exclusively with Stabroek Sport yesterday, Muhammad disclosed that unlike the previous years, this time around, a lot more was put into the event, since they had brought the undisputed `King of Football’.
One of the high points of this year’s tournament was the visit of the legendary football great; Edson Arantes do Nascimento (King Pele) who was a guest of honour at the opening ceremony.
According to Muhammad, while there were some glitches, the ratings for this year were nothing but excellent and he lauded those who made it possible.
“I don’t know if it was the visit of King Pele that give us the overwhelming support, but I think this year, the teams were more hyped, everyone prepared well. The guys trained mornings and afternoons and in the end it was the fans that benefited from really fantastic football. Added to that, God blessed us with perfect weather through out the tournament unlike the previous years,” Muhammad said. “You know, support wise, it was very pleasant. If you noticed in all the areas we played we had great turn outs like Berbice, Enmore, Linden and Georgetown, all over it was great,” Muhammad added.
Muhammad said it was most important for the organisers that the fans came out and had a great time.
“We are grateful for that,” he declared.
By half time of the final, the gates of the National Stadium were closed by Police and it was stated that the venue could not have held any more persons.
The decision left hundreds of football thirsty fans outside in anger wanting to get in since many had purchased their tickets some of which were valued at $1500.
Some patrons began to force their way through the heavily guarded entrances and ended up being tackled by the Police. Muhammad said while they were aware of the situation, there was nothing much the organisers could do about the situation but comply with the lawmen.
“It was something we could not have done something about, because the Police, they locked the gate, saying that the stadium was overloaded. So we now have to sit with the Police to see what we can come up with even though I think we ran a real proper system but again, the stadium just couldn’t hold everyone who wanted to come, and I think some people understand,” Muhammad noted. This year, Muhammad and partner Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major decided that they would stage a 20-team tournament as compared to 16 teams in earlier years.
They are now looking at 24 teams for next year’s competition.
“Having 24 teams is something we’ll be looking at but it will all depend on the Guyana Football Federation (GDF) and if they will allow because having 24 teams means we’ll have to start in mid November so we have to wait and see. Even to get back 20 teams in the tournament, but if all of that doesn’t happen, we will have to go back to 16 teams like before,” Muhammad said.
Muhammad also said he was happy that a new team had won the title and congratulated Alpha United for a well-played tournament. Tentatively, the prize giving ceremony is set for January 6.