Defending champion Back Circle will have Team Family at the start of their Magnum Mash Cup title defence at this year’s one-night edition on February 18 at the National Park tarmac.
Organiser Edison Jefford told the media that this time around sixteen teams will be facing off in the competition with over $1 million in prize money up for grabs along with trophies.
Some of the biggest names in street-ball will take to the tarmac including Sparta Boss, Gold is Money, Bent Street, Agricola Stabroek Ballers, California Square, Festival City, Team Cruel, Team Extreme, and North East La Penitence, all gunning for glory. In an invited comment, Jefford, a long-time organiser, stated, “I am going out on a limb here to guarantee fans one night of fireworks and adrenaline-charged action. The teams have been engaged in other tournaments leading up to this big night, so they are ready and excited to put on a good exhibition of street-style football.”
The eventual champion will walk away with $500,000, while the second, third, and fourth-placed teams will pocket $250,000, $150,000, and $100,000, respectively.
With an eye on the one-day duration of the tourney, Jefford pointed out that the punctuality and discipline of teams will be key to the success of the event, calling on all the teams to make the necessary effort for the tournament to be a success.
“Preferably, I would have liked to play eight of the best teams, but because of the demand by other teams to be included, I was left with no choice but to increase the number of participants to sixteen. It was a difficult call; these were teams that supported all my tournaments in the past, and I felt obligated to include them with strict emphasis on punctuality,” Jefford highlighted.
“I am going to create an atmosphere similar to that of Mashramani, which is traditionally littered with colour, pomp, and ceremony, so fans will be getting an early glimpse of the annual celebration and at the same time having the opportunity to get in the mood for the festivities.”Jefford was quick to extend gratitude to all members of the corporate community who have pledged support for the event, while Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken was also commended for his usual support to augment safety and security for patrons. The date for the launch of the tournament will be announced shortly.
