‘The Hammer’ cops top prize

Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United copped the top prize of $400,000 and its star athletes won several other awards at the just-concluded Namilco Football Festival Knockout Competition.

The second annual contest was organised by the Fruta Conquerors (FC). Alpha’s victory was followed by BK International’s Western Tigers second place prize of $200,000, Sunburst Camp-town who finished third with $100,000 and the organisers coming in fourth with $50,000.

Namilco Managing Director Bert Sukhai, left, presents the 2008 Namilco Football Festival Trophy to captain of the winning team Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United Leon Grumble (right) at a ceremony hosted to mark the end of the competition.

The Highest Goal Scorer prize was awarded jointly to Alpha’s Elton Browne and FC’s Manasseh Primo who  secured four goals each in the 16-game tourney.

They received a trophy and a gold chain. Browne was also crowned Most Valuable Player and given a cheque for $30,000 compliments of 2J’s General Store.

The Best Goal Keeper award went to Alpha’s Ronson Williams who was awarded a cellular phone, compliments of Swansea. Alpha United has won five tournaments this year.

FC’s Oswald Cornette and BV/Triumph’s Ronnel Gordon were adjudged the most promising players and will benefit from a computer scholarship at Global Technology. Meanwhile, the Bakewell Buxton Stars copped the Most Disciplined Team award.

At the ceremony Namilco Managing Director Bert Sukhai said he is looking forward to seeing improved football in next year’s tournament.

“I must commend the teams who participated in this year’s tournament and also the Fruta Conquerors Football Club for organizing such a well run tournament” he said. Sukhai said his company is proud to be a part of the football fraternity that aims to improve the sport countrywide.

Additionally, FC President Marlan Cole said he was grateful to the sponsors and to the clubs for their participation. Cole said he is looking for an even better partnership in the future.