Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Frank Anthony Sunday night said that he was hoping that the new GFF dispensation would work together to develop the sport as the football fraternity for far too long had been divided.
Dr. Anthony was at the time delivering the feature address at the opening of the GFF 2013 season at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground.
“Football is the number sport in the world and I hope the new federation moves football forward. I challenge them to develop the sport to its potential and we, the government, would like to work in partnership with the GFF to take football to the next level,” added Dr. Anthony.
Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds, during a short speech, said that he hoped this season’s opening would usher in a new era for football in the country and urged the federation to take the sport to a much higher level.
“I want the GFF to take the sport to much higher level and I want to see participation in football from all parts of the country,” said Hinds.
Speaking on behalf of the GFF, President Christopher Matthias said: “This is the beginning of a new developmental process of football in Guyana. A process not only for the development of the sport but also for human and social development as we seek to build the nation through the sport.”
Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green, during brief remarks, said …”Football can be the catalyst for development in Guyana and one day we hope that the potential we have will be realised so that in the future we can see the Golden Arrowhead flown at international tournaments.”
Referee Diane Ferreira-James was honoured by the Guyana Football Referees Council with a plaque for her outstanding achievement and services to the sport following which PM Hinds officially performed the ceremonial kick off to declare the season open.
In the exhibition games which followed, West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) edged Georgetown Football Association (GFA) 1-0.
Devon Millington would break the deadlock in the 60th minute through an easy tap in unmarked inside the six area following a fumbled cross by the GFA custodian while the East Coast Football Association (ECFA) defeated Upper Demerara Football Association (UPDA) 5-4 on penalty kicks after regulation time saw the teams level at 1-1.
Clarence Huggins opened the scoring for UDFA in the 13th minute. ECFA equalized through a Delroy Dean 34th minute strike.
Prior to the commencement of the matches, a march past featuring the respective associations and clubs was witnessed by the small gathering.
