Den Amstel was officially presented with the prize money for winning the Guyana Football Federation [GFF] ‘Stag Beer’ Super-16 tournament yesterday some 58 days after defeating home side Buxton United 2-0 on January 1st 2019 at the Buxton Community Centre ground.
The West Demerara outfit received $2,000,000, a trophy and training equipment yesterday during a simple presentation at the GFF Headquarters in Section-K Campbellville.
Buxton United received $1,000,000, the respective accolade and equipment and Fruta Conquerors received the third place package of $500,000, a trophy and football equipment, after defeating Western Tigers 2-0 in the third place playoff. Western Tigers received no financial package but received a trophy and equipment.
Nigel Worrell, Stag Beer Brand Manager, during brief remarks said, “Partnerships like these help to build the foundation for football and generally for any sport. The fact that we saw a somewhat underdog team winning the championship is testimony to what football is all about, or what the contribution of partnerships like these can actually result in. Our contribution over the years to football and, sport in general, is testimony to Ansa Mc Al’s commitment to the people and, of course, the sport as a whole.”
Meanwhile, GFF President Wayne Forde said, “This is the second version of the GFF annual year-end competition and what is clear is that there has been progression from year one to year two and I think that’s the evidence business people look at when making decisions and planning for the future. There’s a lot to take away from the competition. Every year we see evidence of growth, including more community participation and hopefully, the prize packages can grow incrementally with some of the other changes which will be made.
“The focus or the thrust of the tournament is to bring communities together. It’s an occasion for the football family to come together as one and celebrate the game and it was really heart-warming that that we saw a club that clearly entered the tournament not as a favourite emerging as the champion.”
Forde commended the media for their contribution in the event, noting, “Your work and the coverage that you give to all of the football activities that take place – whether at the Federation or the association level – is immeasurable in terms of the contribution to the popularity and awareness of the sport and the incentives that our young stars that are emerging need to have to try harder and do better as they grow in their own football careers.”
The GFF-Stag “Super 16” Yearend Championship featured the top eight Elite League clubs, two Regional Member Associations in Berbice and Essequibo-Pomeroon FA, as well as invited clubs Police FC, Soesdyke Falcons, Eagles FC, Santos FC, Buxton Stars and Rivers View.
