The Kashif and Shanghai Organisation officially launched the National Futsal Championship, which will start on November 20 and run until January 1, 2025.
The organisation confirmed they did not seek permission from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to stage this event, as the participating teams are not affiliated with the GFF.
The tournament was initially to commence on November 19, but the organizers wanted to ensure the Golden Jaguars gained as much support as possible for their match against Barbados at the National Track and Field Facility, West Coast Demerara.
Organisers’ Perspective:
Kashif Muhammad, co-director of the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation and Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), addressed concerns regarding the GFF’s lack of permission.
He clarified, “No, we didn’t ask for permission because these teams are not affiliated with the GFF.”
He emphasised that the tournament aims to provide quality entertainment for the people of Guyana and to give young footballers a platform to showcase their skills.
Muhammad expressed confidence in his team’s capabilities to organize a successful tournament, stating, “We want to ensure that we provide real quality entertainment for Guyana.”
Moreover, he noted that while the NSC will not directly fund the tournament, his organisation is committed to delivering a well-organised event that benefits the local football community.
Muhammad also mentioned the intention to collaborate with the GFF to ensure that the tournament adheres to official rules and guidelines, highlighting the importance of having GFF referees officiate the matches.
Tournament Structure and Format:
The National Futsal Championship will adopt an elimination format and feature 64 teams from various regions across Guyana.
The tournament is designed to be highly competitive, with teams competing for substantial cash prizes and recognition.
The participating teams will include 32 from Georgetown, reflecting the city’s vibrant futsal scene, alongside teams from Linden, East Coast Demerara, Berbice, East Bank Demerara, Lethem, West Demerara, as well as Regions One, Seven and Nine.
Additionally, there will be a couple of Spanish teams involved.
Prize Money and Incentives:
The champion team will be awarded $1,500,000, while the runner-up will receive $1,000,000.
Teams finishing in third and fourth place will take home $500,000 and $200,000, respectively.
In a bid to encourage participation and reward effort, every team eliminated prior to the quarterfinal stage will receive $30,000.
Furthermore, all teams that reach the final 16 will be outfitted with new uniforms.
On the individual side, the tournament will honor exceptional performances with various awards.
The Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the men’s competition will be rewarded with a motorcycle, a coveted prize that underscores the tournament’s commitment to recognizing outstanding talent.
Additionally, the highest goal scorer and the best goalkeeper will each receive $30,000, which marks a shift from the traditional trophy-only recognition.
Women’s Competition:
In a progressive move, the tournament will also feature a women’s segment, which will include four teams competing from the semifinal stage.
This segment aims to promote female participation in futsal, with prizes of $200,000 for the winner, $100,000 for second place, $60,000 for third place, and $40,000 for fourth place.
This inclusion reflects a growing acknowledgment of the importance of women’s sports and aims to inspire more female athletes to engage in competitive futsal.
Venues and Schedule:
Most matches will occur at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue, specifically on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
The semifinals and finals are scheduled to be held at the newly refurbished Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Homestretch Avenue.
The Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., has granted permission for the use of this venue, which is equipped with modern facilities, including an air-conditioning system and designated VIP sections.
