By Iva Wharton
First-timer Riddim Squad will be making its debut in the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) Premier League Super Eight tournament which commences on September 7.
Riddim Squad’s President/Manager Mark Xavier in an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sports said that there is a feeling of excitement among the players and officials of the team.
“We are now in uncharted territory but it is nevertheless a great achievement for us to have ascended to the Premier League.”
According to Xavier, their only hope now is to come out on top of the league.
According to Xavier, he believes his team has what it takes to win the championship.
“We have beaten all the teams in the Premier League at some point or the other, so this should not be difficult.”
Questioned what the ascension to the Premier League meant to the players, Xavier said that there is feeling of euphoria among the players, who according to him, have toiled long and hard in the hot sun to earn their spot in the Premier League.
He said that with their fourth place finish in the Banks President’s Beer tournament and a spot in the Premier League, Riddim Squad has made its mark and earned its sport in the Premier League.
Xavier, however, said that Riddim Squad should have ascended to the Premier League some two years ago if not for the dissolving of the old executive. He, however, said that staying the course in the Bank DIH Beer tournament made its ascension even sweeter.
Questioned what can be expected of Riddim Squad in the Premier League, Xavier said football at the highest level.
According to Xavier, Riddim Squad was a community team which simply means that they have the community fully behind them.
He explained that that team was in the process of having its community ground in Mocha rehabilitated with assistance from Wartsila Company. At the moment, he said that the team was training on the parking lot between the Princess Hotel and the National Stadium on the East Bank.
Xavier said that the completion of their facility in Mocha will further assist in the enhancement and development of the team and the community.
Other teams competing in the Premier League are: GDF, GFC, Sunburst Camptown, Fruta Conquerors, Northern Rangers, Santos and Police.
