Action in the 22nd annual Kashif and Shanghai (K&S) tournament continues this evening with a double-header at Beterverwagting from 18:30hrs.
The opening game will see hosts Victoria Kings facing Grove Hi. Tec and then BV Triumph and Bakewell Buxton Stars will lock horns to conclude the night’s encounters.
Both Bakewell Buxton Stars and Grove Hi Tech defied the odds in their previous round of matches when they defeated Den Amstel and Netrockers by margins of 2-1 and via penalty kicks.
Stabroek Sport caught up with the respective coaches of these teams and they spoke about their morale and preparations for tonight’s matches.
“The morale in the team is pretty high since our win on Friday. Since then our preparation has been fairly normal, we have worked mainly on movements and ball possession, since we believe a team who can control possession generally comes out on top in football matches,” explained Buxton Stars coach Sheron Abrams.
This is the first time Bakewell Buxton Stars who are playing in their fourth Kashif and Shanghai tournament have reached the second round of the competition and coach Abrams highlighted that players such as strike duo Alistair Dean and Jamal Georger and mid-fielder Rolly Fredericks will be key in aiding them to progress to the next sage.
Grove Hi Tech who are playing in their third K&S tournament were at a similar stage in 2009 when they beat a fancied Milerock team in the first round, before losing to Pele in the second round.
According to coach Calvin Allen the team is focused on preventing history from repeating itself.
“The team is enthusiastic and much focused after what was a bruising game for a side that is basically an under-23 side. Since that game we have had a two-day rest and the players currently are being put through simple recovery drills,” said Allen
Allen said further that a solid support group will be travelling with the team and for his side, players such as strikers Joel Matthews, Timothy Griffith, defender Shernon Dorris and former national under-15 and under 17 left-midfielder Dominic Garnett will be expected to shine for the Grove Hi Tech outfit.
