The official draw for the inaugural One Guyana President Cup Football Championship was conducted yesterday at the National Cultural Centre on Mandela and Homestretch avenues, Georgetown.
The 10 regions were separated into two pools, with Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica), and Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) being seeded, as the number one and two ranks respectively due to their historical performances and national player representation.
Similarly, Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice), and Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) were not allowed to be paired in the same group. They were separated because they are governed by the same association.
At the end of the draw, group ‘A’ comprises Region Four, Region Six, Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni), and Region Nine (Upper Takatu/Upper Essequibo). Group ‘B’ contains Region Ten, Region Five, Region One (Barima/Waini), Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), and Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam).
Each team comprises 25 players and five technical staff. GFF boss Wayne Forde during a brief press conference disclosed that the event was conceptualized months prior following a meeting with President Irfaan Ali, noting that the respective member associations and partners have delivered a professional preliminary phase.
According to Forde, the hope is that the competition like the ongoing FIFA World Cup, will deliver unexpected results that would certainly add to the flavour of the event, adding that the competition provides an avenue for players who are not on the national team’s radar to be exposed and possibly selected, which would alter the perceived narrative that national selection only occurs from specific regions.
He further thanked the President for making his vision a reality that will endure for many years, adding that the fans and interest groups can be assured that a remarkable tournament will be delivered. Meanwhile, Kashif and Shanghai Co-Director, Kashif Muhammad, stated that the entity is happy to partner with the GFF to host the inaugural tournament, noting that the collaboration between the two organisations began years prior and is a tried and tested partnership.
Muhammad, who is also the chairman of the National Sports Commission, further assured that the organising committee will deliver a wonderful tournament, which will be enjoyed and appreciated by the entire nation.
The winner of the tournament will pocket $2 million and the championship trophy, while the runner-up will collect $1 million. Each team that advances from the semi-final will receive $400,000, whilst every victory by a side in the group stage will result in an award of $200,000.
On the individual side, a one-off payment of $80,000 will be given to 24 players from each of the regional teams, with the captain pocketing $100,000. Similarly, the head-coach will also receive $100,000, while the other four members of his staff will collect $80,000. The eventual Most Valuable Player will receive a house lot.
