The National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue will provide the battleground this evening when the Three Peat Promotions coordinated inaugural Guinness ‘Cage Football Championship, kicks-off at 19:00hrs with 16 elimination matches dubbed ‘Super Tuesday’.
In the opening affair, Sophia will lock horns with newcomers MBK All-Stars while Broad Street opposes Old Skool Ballers at 19:15hrs and Tucville battles Showstoppers at 19:30hrs.
In the fourth fixture, Dave and Celina’s All-Stars will match skills with debutant Pike Street Sophia at 19:45hrs, whilst Tiger Bay tackles Silver Bullets at 20:00hrs and West Back Road engages Albouystown-B at 20:15hrs.
The seventh fixture will pit Leopold Street against Plaisance at 20:30hrs, with North Ruimveldt opposing Melanie at 20:45hrs and Bent Street facing off with Hustlers from 21:00hrs.
North East Lake Penitence will then take the field against Mocha from 21:15hrs while Champion Boys will lock horns with Channel-9 Warriors at 21:30hrs and Albouystown-A will oppose Alexander Village from 21:45hrs.
In the final four matches, Gold is Money tackles Campbellville at 22:00hrs, Future Stars lock horns with Agricola Gas Team from 22:15hrs, Back Circle opposes New Market Street at 22:30hrs and Sparta Boss takes aim at Vryheid’s Lust from 22:45hrs.
According to a release from the organisers, “Despite the setback suffered on August 24th, we are more than confident that they will be no further hitches and inconveniences during the duration of the tournament, as all systems are in place for the smooth hosting.”
The initial opening night of the tournament on August 24th was rescheduled for tonight due to a lengthy power failure that lasted for more than two hours. Although the venue was engulfed in darkness, a large crowd was present at the facility.
“We anticipate an exciting opening night that will have fans and teams on the edge of their respective seats. This is the first time that spectators will get to witness non-stop action with the ball being deemed dead only behind the goal-line. It is usually breathtaking stuff with end to end action and fitness will be tested to the maximum. The substitutes will have to be at the same skill and fitness levels for them to survive what is predicted to be a gruelling competition with the right of being crowned inaugural champions the main priority,” the release added.
The organisers say there is no clear cut favourite team at the moment.
“Because it is the first time the format is being contested locally, it is very difficult to select a clear favourite, as several teams are more than capable of securing the coveted crown. Among the top teams slated to take to the court this evening are rising force Future Stars who has become a fan favourite, Guyana’s most successful Futsal team Sparta Boss who has a lot to prove following some lacklustre performances, West Front Road-Gold is Money, a team that has looked a rejuvenated and in fine form and national Guinness champions and Linden heavyweight Dave & Celena All Stars.”
“These teams are among the early favourites to win the tournament, but teams such as Albouystown-A, West Demerara unit Showstoppers, Champion Boys from Agricola, Tigerbay, Broad Street, Silver Bullets from the Mining Town of Linden, Sophia, Back Circle, Melanie and Tucville are all teams capable of turning all the early predictions on its head” the release concluded.
Upon the conclusion of tonight’s playoff fixtures, the resulting winners will be divided into four groups of four teams for the group stage that is slated to commence on August 31st at the same venue.
The other match dates are September 2nd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 16th. The resulting victor of the historic event will receive $400,000 and the championship trophy. The runner-up will pocket $200,000 and the respective trophy.
Meanwhile, the third and fourth placed finishers will collect $100,000 and $50,000 respective and a trophy. On the individual side, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) will receive a gold chain from YK Investments and Pawn Shop and the respective accolade from Trophy Stall Bourda.
The complete list of sponsors are Star Party Rentals, Faye Joseph, Claude Geddes Recreational Sports Club, National Sports Commission, Windjammer International Hotel & Cuisine, Woodpecker Trophies & Sport, Y.K Investments & Pawn Shop, Henry Chase, Jai Signs, Trophy Stall of Bourda Market and John Fernandes Ltd.
