After years of anticipation and following the success of the Georgetown, Linden and the East Coast Demerara sub-tourneys, the inaugural Guinness Greatest of the Streets West Demerara edition will kick off at the Pouderoyen tarmac tomorrow.
The event was officially launched yesterday in the boardroom at Banks DIH Limited. It will feature 16 teams competing in an initial group format and, on conclusion of the round-robin stage, the top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage.
Group-A will consist of the Golden Stars, Brothers United, De Kinderen United and Vergenoegen while Patentia Street Ballers, Raiders, Majie Street and Demerara Speedboat Service will do battle in Group B. Group C will feature the Young Warriors, Jetty, West Side Ballers and Pouderoyen Showstoppers while Group D will feature Admiral United, Den Amstel, Uitvlugt and Showtime.
Winners of the event will receive $300,000 and the championship trophy; the second place finishers will collect $150,000 and the runners-up accolade and the third and fourth place finishers will collect $100,000 and $75,000 respectively. The official playing dates are January 24, 27, 29, 31 and February 3 and 7. Matches will also be played on the Vergenoegen Rice Mill tarmac.
Lee Baptiste, Guinness Brand Manager said despite some difficulties in the sport, “Banks DIH Limited under the Guinness Brand has made good on its promise to expand the Guinness tournament.” The tournament provides an opportunity for football enthusiasts and players to enjoy the game through this community based initiative. Baptiste thanked Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony for supporting the event since its inception, adding “I have no doubt the event will be a success and wish all the teams and players the best of luck.”
In his opening remarks Banks DIH Communications Officer Troy Peters said, “Guinness is with you in 2015 and you have the opportunity like every other team in Guyana to compete and possibly represent Guyana.”
