The National Park tarmac, Thomas Lands, Georgetown, will provide the setting for a modern rendition of the biblical ‘David vs Goliath’ account, as Back Circle and Sparta Boss contest the championship match in the Magnum Independence Cup at 22:00hrs.
The fixture has historical significance, as it will be a repeat of the 2019 final, which was won 2-1 by Sparta Boss on penalty kicks. While the aforementioned match has earned the North East La Penitence outfit the moniker of favourite, it is the sheer weight of the team’s statistical performances thus far, especially on the offensive end, which confirms this label.
Offensively, 46 goals have been recorded at a rate of 7.6 per match, which is a record for the tournament, and has led to victories against East Front Road, Alexander Village, Avocado Ballers, Mocha, Future Stars, and Bent Street in the campaign.
Although nine different scorers have contributed to the aforesaid figures, 73 per cent of the goals (34 to be exact) have originated from the trident of Jermin Junior, Ryan Hackett, and Eusi Phillips, who have accumulated 14, 14, and six goals respectively.
The remaining 12 conversions have emanated from Job Caesar, Nicholas MacArthur, Sheldon Shepherd, Kelsey Benjamin, Gregory Richardson, and Darren Niles, who have tallied three, three, two, two, one, and one goals respectively. Defensively, Sparta Boss have conceded 20 times, though an unwanted 18 had occurred in the knockout stages. This translates to an overall average of 3.3 goals per fixture.
On the opposite side, underdogs Back Circle are a team highlighted by their defensive prowess, boasting the best record in the event with only seven concessions, five of which transpired in the knockout stages. This equates to an overall rate of 1.16 per encounter, and has led to triumphs against Melanie, Mocha, Sophia, Alexander Village, North East La Penitence, and Gold is Money.
Though they are highly regarded for their rearguard displays, the East Ruimveldt heavyweights have breached their opponents 22 times at a conversion of 3.6 per matchup.
Similar to their impending foe, eight dissimilar scorers have contributed to the aforesaid number, though Jermaine Beckles has proven to be a talismanic force with eight conversions.
Capable support has been provided by the trio of David George, Adrian Aaron, and Stephon McLean, scorers of five, three and two goals apiece, while Stephon Reynolds, Selwyn Williams, Dillon Kelly, and Cecil Jackman, have found the back of the net once correspondingly.
Meanwhile, according to tournament coordinator Edison Jefford, “All systems are in place for a wondrous night of action. Security which is something we prioritise, will be ramped up. We have already begun to set up the venue. We have several sections inclusive of a corporate, VIP, and entertainment, which will be fully illuminated. It’s an event that we are targeting, in terms of branding, which will mirror what is hosted at the European level in the format so patrons will have their money’s worth. The entrance fee is $1,500.”
“We have security for vehicles and constant police patrols will also be in effect, we are basically leaving no stones unturned for the championship match to ensure that everyone has clean incident free fun in a regulated and safe space. We anticipate a great game especially after the semi-finals.”
On the other hand, the third-place playoff pits Gold is Money against dethroned champion Bent Street at 21:00hrs.
Gold is Money and Bent Street will face-off in the third place playoff. Similarly, North East La Penitence will engage Future Stars in the Plate Final.
The winner of the tournament will receive $700,000, and the championship accolade, whilst the runner-up will pocket $400,000 and the corresponding trophy. The third and fourth place finishers will pocket $200,000 and $100,000 respectively. The winner of the Plate Section will receive $40,000.
The other sponsors of the event are MVP Sport, Nigel Hind Financial Services, Andrews Supermarket, Bold Expressions Barbershop, Fireside Grill ‘N’ Chill, Star Party Rentals, and Lucozade.
