The wait is finally over as the 25th edition of the Kashif and Shanghai Football Tourney will officially kick off today at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground in Queenstown with an exciting doubleheader.
In the feature contest, West Demerara giants Den Amstel FC will lock horns with Georgetown Football Club (GFC) from 21:00hrs.
With revenge the motivating factor for Den Amstel following their 2-0 loss to the Bourda side in the recently concluded Mayor’s Cup, an improved showing from the attacking trident of Delon Lanferman, Travis Hilliman and Andre Hector will be required if they are to emerge winners.
However GFC will have set their sights on a quarterfinal berth and will hope the likes of Keron Solomon, Kareem Knights and Dwayne Fordyce can help to replicate the result of their previous meeting when action begins.
Coach of Den Amstel FC, Bilaal Nantambu in an invited comment said “Unlike the last meeting where we were ill prepared for the game, this round we are much more prepared and no one can surprise us. We know our responsibilities and we know the job at hand”.
He further said “Irrespective of who comes out to play we will play our game. We intend to hold our own and be the surprise and not be surprised. We will have a much better showing this time than last time around, I am very confident of that”.
In the opening fixture at 18:30hrs, Mocha-based unit Riddim Squad FC led by the trio of Amos Ramsay, Teon Jones and Sheldon Hope will face off with a very capable New Amsterdam United side and their combination of siblings Adrian and Lenardo Adams and speedy winger Jamal Butts.
Coach of the Riddim Squad unit, Kavin Seales during in invited comment said “Preparation wasn’t the best but we are thankful for the time we got to use the Tucville ground. Our players are eager to go and they always like to play in the Kashif and Shanghai which brings out the best in them”.
He further said “We are out of two players due to work who are Seon Hope and Lyliton Ramsay. However we have enough quality players to pull it off. The team that makes the less mistakes will win the game and the team that plays more organized and take their opportunities will win the match”.
Prior to the commencement of the second fixture, a march past featuring all the competing teams will occur. Winner of the event will receive the championship trophy and $2,000,000 while the runners-up will collect $1,000,000 and the respective title.
The third and fourth placed teams will receive $500,000 and $250,000 respectively with the corresponding accolade.
