Tabatinga FC and Guyana Rush Saints won the 2023 Rupununi Football Association (RFA) male and female titles on Saturday. Watched by a large crowd at the Wadapna ground, Lethem, Tabatinga FC whipped Strikers FC 4-1 in a fast-paced men’s final. The win earned them the right to represent the RFA at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Playoffs.
Dielson Da Silva sent Tabatinga into the lead in the eighth minute before Werberth Sousa scored the second goal to give them a 2-0 half time lead.
Upon resumption, Carlos Jonas continued the onslaught with a strike in the 69th minute.
Felix Berthcomea reduced the deficit in the 75th minute but Jonas returned to complete his brace during injury time. In the women’s final, Guyana Rush Saints defended their crown with a 3-1 victory over Kanuku Warriors. Glorciene Assis opened the account for Guyana Rush Saints in the fifth minute with a well- timed strike before Amanda Cabral scored in the 37th minute to secure a 2-0 lead at half time. Alea Pedro placed her team further into the lead in the 51st minute but the Warriors bounced back to score a consolation goal in the 67th minute off the boot of Josephena Leonard.
The tournament attracted a record 53 teams – 29 male and 24 female teams. During the presentation ceremony, RFA President, Norbert Williams, praised the large number of teams for the 2023 season. “The RFA is extremely proud of this turnout, this might be a largest participation of teams ever in any association in Guyana,” he declared.
Williams said the GFF has been very supportive of the RFA by providing financial assistance and equipment towards the development of the sport in the region. He also expressed appreciation to the sponsors for their continued support. GFF Technical Director, Bryan Joseph, who stood in for GFF President Wayne Forde said that the RFA continues to be a torchbearer in the development of football locally. Also in attendance was GFF Director of Competitions Troy Peters.
