Captain of Sparta Boss Sheldon Shepherd said that his side is primed and ready for their semi-final encounter with traditional foe Gold is Money in the inaugural Rio Indoor Championship at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue on Saturday.
Shepherd, who has been at the helm of the East La Penitence unit since its inception, said:“This is good game. Last time we played we won 4-3 so they will be coming hard at us. We are not taking them lightly, we take every game and every team very serious which is normal for us.”
Sparta earned a coveted place in the final four round, after edging Beterverwagting [BV] 4-2 in extra time of their quarterfinal encounter. Their opponent, Gold is Money, squeaked past Leopold Street 3-2 to seal their position.
Shepherd declared that the tournament is highly coveted amongst the community teams, adding, “This is the first time that street-ball is playing for one million dollars so everyone wants to win. They are four good teams left and everyone will come out for the win, everyone wants that title.” He added that the team is unafraid of opposition once successful in the semi-final round, saying:“We know Bent Street, we are not pointing a finger at anyone. We will handle anyone who we will have to play once we make the final.”
According to the organisers the semi-final matches are expected to humdingers given the quality of the sides that will be competing for a place in the grand finale.
“The matches will simply build on the quality that was exhibited at the quarterfinal stage so the spectators will certainly be thrilled with the exciting play that will be on show,” the organisers stated in a release.
“The four teams that remain are easily the best sides at the moment, with many of them having traditional rivalries which adds to the drama of the tournament. Sparta Boss, Gold is Money and Bent Street are national heavyweights in this arena while debutants Rio All-Stars have displayed their championship credentials and will be a forced to be reckoned with in the immediate future,” the release added.
The second semi-final match will pit Bent Street against newcomer Rio All-Stars. The finals and 3rd place playoff will also be staged on the same date. Winner of the event will pocket $1,000,000 and the championship trophy, while the second, third and fourth place finishers will collect $400,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively and the corresponding accolade.
