Ansa McAl under its Stag Beer brand yesterday partnered with five major local football associations in launching the Stag Nations Cup at the entity’s Beterverwagting (BV) headquarters.
The event, which runs from December 16th-January 1st, will feature 20 teams from the Georgetown, West Demerara, East Bank, East Coast and Berbice Football Associations.
Teams already confirmed to participate are Western Tigers, Santos FC, Police Football Club, Uitvlugt Warriors, Pouderoyen FC, Grove Hi Tech, Cougars United, Herstelling Raiders, Mahaica Determinators, Rosignol United, New Amsterdam United, Ann’s Grove, Golden Stars and Mahaicony Thunders.
Winner of the event will pocket $2,000,000 and the championship trophy while the second, third and fourth placed unit will walk-away $1,000,000, $500,000 and $300,000 respectively and a trophy. Opening night action will take place at the Golden Grove ground.
Brand Manager Robert Hiscock during the feature address said: “We are proud to be a part of the Nations Cup as it gives many teams time on the field to play and develop which is necessary for the sport going forward.”
Speaking on behalf of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Third Vice-President Thandi McCallister added: “I’m heartened by the collaborative effort and the expansion. I was present at games before and I can testify to the enthusiasm of the teams involved. I urge all teams to play fair and do their best.”
Meanwhile, asked if Elite League non-participants Slingerz, Alpha United, Pele and GFC were considered for participation, East Bank Football Association chief and tourney coordinator Franklin Wilson said: “Those elite teams indicated interest but two didn’t respond.
However, the association clubs felt it was unfair for them to compete and we took it upon ourselves not to allow them to participate.”
Wilson added that the organizers are working on the possibility of staging the January 1st final at the National Stadium in Providence.
