Tough battles anticipated in KFC Goodwill School Football

The wait is finally over and the second KFC Goodwill Under-18 School Football tournament is set to kick-off on Saturday (December 14). On the eve of the matches, three of the captains present at a pre-tournament press conference, expressed a readiness to produce their best in what they deemed to be a tough competition.

Annandale Secondary’s Jerome Harrigon started by saying it is imperative at this age they are exposed to this level of football and while the on-field results matter most, the friendships built are long-lasting.

New to the competition are Desrey Fox Secondary School, formerly known as Waramadong Secondary, and their assistant captain Nick Bascom explained that based on what he has seen the tournament is tough but they are ready for the task at hand. He also wished the other teams best of luck.

Marian Academy’s berth in the tournament is fortuitous, since the other overseas team, USL Montjoly of French Guiana, has withdrawn from the competition due to the unavailability of managerial personnel.

Marian finished third in the recently concluded GuyOil Under-18 School League, and according to their enthusiastic captain, Randy Hamilton, “It is no secret we are new to this level of football, but we aspire to be competitive and we are aiming to come out on top.”

The absence of Annai Secondary from the press conference was due to travel, while unforeseen circumstances led to the late arrival of Lodge Secondary. Defending champions, Trinidad’s Shiva Boys’ Hindu College were expected to arrive Friday afternoon.

Operations Manager at KFC Guyana, Gegory De Gannes, stated they are most thrilled to be the main sponsor of a tournament which is providing a platform for youths to develop.

Action on day one will see Annai Secondary playing Annandale from 13:00h, followed by Lodge Secondary and Marian Academy from 15:00h.

The other match days are December 16, 18, 20 and the finals on the 22. The first four match days are scheduled for the Guyana Football Federation’s National Training Centre at Providence. The final is tentatively set for the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue.