The Georgetown Zone for the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Football Competition is scheduled to commence on March 15 at the National Park.
According to a release from the organisers, they are preparing to host qualifiers on Sunday for teams to join those automatically selected for the Georgetown zone.
“Returning after an unavoidable hiatus, the Organisers are pulling out all the stops to ensure that the hugely popular tournament makes a triumphant re-entry to the football arena,” the release noted.
Thirty-two of the top teams from Georgetown will vie for bragging rights and the right to be crowned champion over eight days of competition, along with lucrative prize monies and trophies totaling more than $1,5million, while an automatic berth in the national final is assured.
Guinness Brand Executive Lee Baptiste said that because of the tournament’s absence for a prolonged period, they are just as excited and anxious as the teams and fans to see the unrivaled tournament return to the sports calendar.
“We are hoping that the tournament enjoys an exciting return and it is played with the same level of discipline and keen rivalry that fans became accustomed to in previous years,” Baptiste said.
He revealed that they have been planning meticulously to ensure that teams, management staff, and fans who come to the event have a great time, a feature usually associated with the tournament.
The other playing days are March 16,17, 22,23,24 and 30 with the final set for the 31st.
He added that this year’s zone opener will enjoy unprecedented media exposure, informing that all platforms will be utilized to promote the event.
Defending champions Gold is Money will aim to secure their third consecutive title, but they clearly understand that doing so will be even more difficult than before, judging from the recent performances of some of the recently formed teams.
However, it will make them the first team to do so if they are successful.
Teams such as Sparta Boss, Bent Street, Back Circle, Sophia, Alexander Village, and recently-crowned Mashramani champions Stabroek Ballers will aim to stop them in their quest to retain the title.
Judging from recent competitions, this year’s tournament could be one of the most evenly contested and exciting in recent memory, with a cadre of young upcoming teams eager to stamp their name in the annals of the tournament.
There is sufficient proof to suggest a new champion will be crowned, but not many pundits dare to write off the more established teams yet.
This year will also witness a more vibrant community interaction aimed at bringing communities together to create social cohesion among its residents and identify talent within the participating communities.
