With the semi-final section in the MVP Sports Futsal Championship penciled to commence on November 23rd, coordinator and co-director of the Petra Organization Troy Mendonca declared that he anticipates thrilling matchups in both the men’s and women’s divisions.
This was disclosed in an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport yesterday. According to Mendonca, several unexpected results have highlighted the men’s division, and is indicative of the quality of emerging teams in the format, as both Future Stars and Stabroek Ballers have performed admirably throughout the tournament.
Mendonca explained, “The tournament has had two surprise victories, which was Future Stars over Sparta Boss and Stabroek Ballers against Back Circle. The teams deserve to be in the semi-final by virtue of their performances during the tournament and we anticipate a great semi-final matchup between them as well as Gold is Money and Bent Street. I think the football spectators are in for a treat in the semi-final round.”
In the men’s division, Future Stars who upset Sparta Boss, will match skills with fellow giant killers, Stabroek Ballers, the vanquishers of Back Circle. On the other hand, Gold is Money, who brushed aside Sophia, will resume their storied rivalry with Bent Street, the conquerors of Campbellville, in the second final four fixture.
The aforesaid victors will progress to the final. The losers will match skills in the third place playoff.
Mendonca further noted that excitement also surrounds the women’s division following an intriguing group stage, and will pit established clubs against emerging teams.
“In terms of the women’s section, I am very interested to see who the structured clubs play against the likes of Tiger Bay and GT Panthers. In my estimation I believe this is the first structured Futsal tournament for women and that is exciting and I anticipate a great semi-final round”, he expounded.
Meanwhile, in the women’s pool, Fruta Conquerors will oppose GT Panthers in the first semi-final. This will be followed by the Guyana Police Force battling Tiger Bay. The winners will advance to the championship fixture, with the losers competing in the third place playoff.
The overall winner of the men’s tournament will collect $500,000, whilst the second, third and fourth-place finishers will receive $300,000, $200,000, and $100,000 respectively, and the corresponding accolade.
The resulting winner of the women’s section will pocket $200,000, while the second, third, and fourth-place finisher will receive $100,000, $50,000, and $20,000 respectively. The other sponsors of the event include Magnum Tonic Wine, and Lucozade Energy Drink.
