Veron Mosengo-Omba, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) Director of Member Associations and Development for Africa and the Caribbean, said Guyana’s much anticipated Goal Project is awaiting the approval of the world governing body before its commencement.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) headquarters yesterday, Mosengo-Omba said: “On the GFF’s side they have done everything; documentation and costs; everything that they needed to do and all the documents and requirements that we (FIFA) need to have; GFF has done it and sent it. The ball is in our field now.”
He added: “My presence here in Guyana, particularly in the GFF house of football, is to encourage this team which has started a good job to continue this way and FIFA will stay with them to support them in this good job.”
He explained that the world governing body was going through a transitionary process adding that stronger protocols are being implemented to eradicate corruption and ensure transparency and accountability.
GFF President Wayne Forde, during brief remarks, said: “The contractor (from Greenfields) indicated to us in his last visit about a week ago, that he can have the pitch finished in a little over three months. That, in itself, is an encouragement,” said Forde.
Netherlands-based Greenfields was officially selected by FIFA to build the Goal Project following the conclusion of the International Tender Process. Greenfields edged out fellow Netherlands-based entity Edel Grass after the bidding process was narrowed down to the two companies.
Founded in 2003, the company has installed more than 2500 pitches across the globe. They have also received the FIFA Preferred Producer for Football Title as well as similar accolades from the International Hockey Federation and the International Rugby Board.
“We don’t have a timeline on things like the fence and the stands but the pitch is the priority right now. We want to have that pitch done because we can play immediately after it is rolled out.
“The Providence facility will be the home, not only for the GFF, but the entire football family,” the GFF boss said adding that the ultimate long term goal is to ensure that each association has one high quality playing venue.” Construction firm Dwain Ferdinand and Home Designs and Engineering Associates inked the contract for the initiative’s sub-base work. The entity, which is based in New Amsterdam, Berbice, won the contract during an extensive tender process, edging out Courtney Benn Contracting Services following an assessment procedure conducted by a three member Evaluation Committee.
