Sixteen of the nation’s top football clubs will vie for supremacy and the $3M first prize starting tomorrow when the inaugural Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Banks Beer Premier League (BBPL) kicks off at the McKenzie Sports Club in Linden.
During yesterday’s formal launch of the 2013/2014 GFF BBPL, at the Banks DIH Limited Sports Club, president of the GFF, Christopher Matthias
dubbed the event Guyana’s “biggest football tournament yet comprising of clubs which have satisfied the requirements established by the federation.”
Matthias thanked the beverage giant for their continued sponsorship and added:“Today the GFF and its stakeholders are pleased to be a part of this historical event.” The GFF boss also outlined the objectives of the premier league which includes:
1) Providing clubs with the opportunity of participating in the highest level of football in Guyana.
2) To establish a competitive environment which creates the attraction, excitement and interest among all stake holders.
3)To afford clubs participating in the league the opportunity to become economically, socially, spiritually, psychologically and tactically empowered through the developmental programmes of the league
4) To provide the opportunity for participating clubs to vie and be selected for national tournaments.
5) To provide the opportunity for disciplined players with a high tactical ability to be identified and selected for national duties.
6) To provide clubs in the lower division with the highest platform in Guyana to which they can aspire.
Vice President of the GFF, Collie Hercules declared that a “league is the most important competition in most countries; this is the criteria set for teams to represent the country at international tournaments.
“This league will provide a platform to showcase Guyana’s most talented players, teams, coaches and managers, the sponsors will also have a competition that their product can benefit from and be proud of.”
Hercules added “a competitive and vibrant league is vital for Guyana’s football development and success regionally and further afield.”
The former national player also praised Banks DIH Limited for sponsoring the tournament and highlighted that the new league format which sees every game finishing with a winner is already creating a buzz.
In the new league format, if the score line is the same after 90 minutes, penalty kicks are taken to ascertain the winner.
“There must be winners in every match and it will see more teams taking more chances within the 90 minutes of play” said Hercules.
Meanwhile, Brand Manager for Banks Beer Brian Choo-Hen stated that the conglomerate is happy to be of support to the GFF. Choo-Hen also encouraged fans of the ‘beautiful game’ to support the development of the sport and wished all the teams the best of luck and discipline. Another Vice President of the GFF, Ivan Persaud also made brief remarks thanking the beverage giant for partnering with the federation.
The 16 team competing in the league are Milerock, Riddim Squad, Silver Shattas, GDF, BV/ Triumph, Santos, Buxton United, Winners Connection, Young Achievers, Mahaica Determinators, Den Amstel, Grove Hi Tech, Alpha United, NA United, BK Western Tigers and Rosignol United.
Tomorrow the league starts with a double header with Milerock tackling Riddim Squad in the first game at 18:00hrs followed by Silver Shattas versus GDF two hours later.
At the league’s conclusion, the top three runners up will pocket $2M, $1M and $500,000 respectively.
Trophies will also be presented to the leading goal scorer and goal keeper.
