Upper Demerara launches Super 16 football tournament

The Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) in partnership with Banks DIH Limited officially launched their second annual GT Beer Super 16 Football Tournament yesterday at the Watooka Complex.

The event which will be played on a knock-out basis, is slated to run from Sunday December 14 – January 1, 2015 at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) ground.

The competing teams led by defending champs Winners Connections are Milerock, Net-Rockers, Eagles United, Botofago, Vasco, High Stars, Silver Shattas, Blueberry Hill United, Amelia’s Ward Panthers, Mahdia FC, Kwakwani Strikers, Ituni Pacemakers, Snatchers FC and Block 22 Goal-Getters.

Winners of the event will receive $1,000,000 and the championship trophy while the runners-up will receive $600,000 and the respective accolade. The third and fourth placed sides will pocket $400,000 and 200,000 along with the corresponding trophies.

Prizes will also be given away for the most valuable player, highest goal scorer, best goal-keeper, best defender and most disciplined team.

Collis Gifth, President of the UDFA, in an invited comment, said, “Once again Banks DIH has demonstrated their continued commitment to football. They made a commitment to us last year and today they demonstrated that they honour their commitment.”

Gifth further said “We are happy to partner with them on the development of the sport and I charge all the players and clubs to give Banks DIH many more reasons for coming on board and supporting football.”

Brand presentative Errol Nelson thanked the UDFA for approaching Banks DIH last year about a Super 16 Tournament. He said, “We signed onto [it] because we saw it as a plus for the Linden community.”

According to Nelson, “We have been steadfastly involved in the development of sports and in particularly football not only in Linden but at a national level.” He said this commitment is demonstrated in the company’s continuous support and involvement in the Pee-Wee, street (Guinness), and the year-end knock-out football competitions.

“We do wish this year’s tournament lots of success and we look forward to your continued support of the tournament,” he added.