Captains of Alpha “The Hammer” United and Fruta Conquerors, the teams competing in the Banks Beer Cup knockout final have expressed confidence ahead of the much anticipated grand finale this evening at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground.
Alpha captain National defence player Howard Lowe and Conquerors skipper Trevon Lythcott were present at a photo shoot organized by the sponsors Banks DIH Limited yesterday at GFC ground and both captains had the opportunity to hold the coveted Banks Beer Knockout Cup that will be at stake.
The winners will also take home $3 million while the runner up team will secure $1.5 million with $500,000 going to the third place team and $250,000 to be awarded to fourth place. Beacons and Sunburst Camptown will clash in the third place playoff.
Banks DIH Communi-cations Manager Troy Peters said that all systems are in place for the final.
“Football fans can expect a very competitive final since both Alpha and Conquerors were very convincing in their semi-final matches, “ he added.
Peters said that spectator support has been overwhelming and disclosed that all arrangements are in place for the final including heightened security from members of the Guyana Police Force.
Also present at yesterday’s event were Vice President of the Georgetown Football Association and former national hockey player Ivor Thompson, assistant secretary treasurer Fiona Hamilton and captain of Sunburst Camptown Adrian Adonis.
Both teams who have displayed a knack for producing when it matters most and an intense battle in front a large and hyped crowd is anticipated.
Alpha, winners of last year’s Kashif and Shanghai tournament is in with a chance of claiming another major local football title while Conquerors will look to create the Mother of all upsets.
“We’re good and we’re ready, we’re holding our composure but we are not over confident. When the day comes that’s when we will leave it all out there,” Lythcott told Stabroek Sport via telephone.
Lowe captain of Alpha United seemed more optimistic of an outright win when Stabroek Sport spoke to him.
“We are very confident and that showpiece is ours tomorrow (today)… we have been preparing hard and it will be the same plan because of how we prepare,” Lowe stated.
Meanwhile President of the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) Vernon Burnett was enthusiastic of the tournament so far and stated that it would become an annual event when Stabroek Sport spoke with him Friday evening.
“Well the tournament has developed and gotten better as matches went by and this is proven by the quality of play on the field.
“This will be an annual event and we will definitely look into how we can make this tournament bigger next year,” Burnett stated.
