The 3rd edition of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Bartica Championship will officially commence tomorrow at the Bartica Community Centre Tarmac.
Some 16 teams will feature in the three day championships which ends June 16th at the same venue.
The opening night of action will feature elimination matches with the winners being divided into two groups of four for the second night of play on June 15th.
The top two finishers will then progress to the semi-final round, with the winners advancing to the final. The losing semi-finalists will feature in the third place playoff.
Similarly, the four teams which fail to progress from the group round will contest the Guinness Plate Championships on the final night.
The eight teams that have earned berths to the opening night following respective quarterfinal berths in the previous edition are, defending champion Disconnection Crew, former champion Riversview, Goal Raiders, Almanac Kings, Jones Avenue, Falmouth, Potaro Strikers and Mighty Ruler.
According to coordinator Alden Marslowe, “All systems are in place for a wonderful tournament. The teams have really caught on with the street football and everyone has really gotten into it. This is the third year and we have seen tremendous growth. We have had three privately run street football tournaments earlier and the teams are definitely catching on to the format.”
He added that the tournament has witnessed a record number of entries which supports the belief that the tournament is growing in popularity and overall interest.
“We have had more teams enter than previous editions especially from the outlying communities which is great for the event. The anticipation is there from the public, Bartica is a football community and I expect another great tournament with quality action, “ he added.
Similarly, Lee Baptiste, Guinness Brand Executive stated that everything is geared for another great edition to the phenomenon that is the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Championship.
He said that he anticipates three nights of exciting action as teams battle for bragging rights and the chance to represent their zone at the coveted National Championship.
Winner of the zone will collect $400,000 and a trophy. They will also earn an automatic place in the National Championships, which is pegged to start in August.
The losing finalist will receive $150,000 and a trophy while the third and fourth place finishers will pocket $100,000 and $75,000 respectively and the corresponding accolade. The victor of the Guinness Plate Championship will receive $60,000.
Up to press time, several playoff round matches were being staged to select the final eight teams. The other major sponsor of the event is Colours Boutique.
Playoff Round Fixtures
Makourai vs Iteballi
Agatash vs Prison Officers
Courtney Benn Boys vs
Potaro United
Walking Boys vs Bad
Company
Beacons vs Banks Boys
Ballers vs Karrau
Police vs Skill Kings
Lotto Blast vs Manu United
