The Georgetown Football Association (GFA) in collaboration with Banks DIH Limited officially launched their fourth annual Banks Beer Cup yesterday at the latter’s Thirst Park headquarters, Industrial Site.
The event which will feature clubs competing under the GFA umbrella in an initial group stage format, is slated to run from December 5th 2014-1st January 2015.
The competing teams are Alpha United, Santos FC, Pele FC, Sunburst Camptown, Riddim Squad FC, Houston Stars FC, Black Pearl FC, Flamingo FC, Black Water FC, Georgetown Football Club (GFC), Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Guyana Police Force (GPF), Western Tigers FC, Fruta Conquerors FC, Northern Rangers FC and Beacons FC.
Group-A will feature Alpha United, Northern Rangers, GPF and Black Water FC while group-B will consist of Western Tigers, Fruta Conquerors, GFC and Houston Stars.
Positioned in group-C are Riddim Squad FC, Sunburst Camptown FC, Santos FC and Beacon FC whilst GDF, Flamingo FC, Pele FC and Black Pearl FC will occupy group-D. Upon the conclusion of the group round, the two top finishers from each group will progress to the knockout stage.
GFA President Vernon Burnette during brief remarks said the association is pleased once again to be in partnership with Banks DIH to host the marquee event of their competition’s calendar.
He noted even though the initial group stage of the tournament will feature only teams from the GFA jurisdiction, he hinted the GFA is currently in negotiations with other associations for them to possibly be part of the knockout rounds.
“We have afforded the other member associations the opportunity to be a part of the Cup which we have done in the earlier editions. We don’t want to leave them out and we have given them the opportunity to have eight of their teams in the tournament” he added.
Brian Choo-Hen, Banks Beer Brand Manager during a brief comment said the company is proud to be sponsoring another Banks Beer Cup and further said he expects the fans to come in large numbers to support their respective teams and to make the event exciting.
GFA Vice President of Competitions, Frank Parris said the body is currently in discussions with the East Coast of Demerara, Berbice and East Bank of Demerara Football Associations to have a combined eight other teams compete in the knockout round of the tournament.
Parris further said if the GFA was not to receive the allotted eight teams from the other affiliates, the possibility exists for the best third place finishers from the group stage qualifying for the knockout round to make up the required numbers.
However he noted if the other associations would choose not to accept the invitations entirely, the tournament will continue as per normal with the teams competing immediately in the quarterfinal round.
The winner of the event will receive $3,000,000 and the championship trophy while the runners-up will pocket $1,500,000 and the respective accolade.
The third placed side will pocket $1,000,000 and the corresponding trophy while the fourth placed unit will receive $500,000 and the respective title.
On the individual side, prizes will be awarded for the event’s most valuable player, highest goal scorer and best goalkeeper. The event is slated to officially commence on Friday with a doubleheader at the GFC ground.
The opening matchup at 19:00hrs, Black Water FC will face off with Alpha United while Northern Rangers will battle GPF in the feature showdown at 21:00hrs.
