West Indies players and local stars set to feature in Georgetown/East Coast Zone in Kares T10

The highly anticipated Georgetown/East Coast Demerara Zone is set for July 19 and 20 access venues, and a top field of players will be on show for the 32 registered teams.

The defending national champions, Titans All-Stars, will be led by Leon Johnson, who has the services of Christopher Barnwell, Keemo Paul, Kemol Savory, Quentin Sampson, among other high-profile national players.

Team Corruption has arguably made the most significant signings: Trinidadians Jesse Bootan, Djourn Charles, Joshua James, and Terrence Hinds. They look to improve on their semi-final finish in 2023.

But there are still title contenders: the formidable Village Rams, led by seasoned tapeball player and former national youth player Omesh Danram. They will have some of Guyana’s brightest young talents in support.

As one peruses the other teams, many of which are community-based, more national players, such as Rajendra Chandrika, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, and many talented junior players, surface.

Brooklyn Youth Strikers is another name to remember, given their 2024 exploits and Pure Entertainers.

The East Coast teams, such as Lusignan, Better Hope, Young Rivals, and Dream 11, are worth monitoring.

But given the team’s talent, it is too close to call who will be the zone champion.

The 32 teams are: Mighty Tarmac Legends, Vipers All-Stars, The Other Guys, Tropix Essentials, Up Tap XI, Team Eastsyde, Hill Foot Strikers, Team Corruption, Mystic Marvels, Pure Entertainers, Mavericks All-Stars,  East-West Matadors, Supernovas, Titans All-Stars, Kings, Beharry Champion XI, Better Hope All-Stars, Giftland Titans, No Limit, Team AVP, Lusignan Sports Club, Royal Raptors, Housing & Water One Guyana, Team Upsetterz, Village Rams, Powertech, Dream 11 All-Stars, Raps Blazers, Brooklyn Youth Strikers, Navins and Sons Construction XI, Young Rivals Sports Club, Team Infinity.

Seven venues will host matches on Saturday: Malteenoes Sports Club, Georgetown Cricket Club, Better Hope Community Centre, Lusignan Sports Club, Everest Cricket Club, YMCA, and the National Stadium, Providence.

Lusignan will host the finals on July 20, and admission is free to all venues.

Matches commence from 09:30h.

The zone champion will pocket $300,000 while the runners-up get $100,000.

At the national final, the team will have the opportunity to compete for an additional $1.7 million at the

The national finals will offer even greater rewards, with the runner-up taking home $700,000, a trophy, and medals, while the losing semi-finalists will each receive $300,000.

Individual brilliance will also be recognized throughout the tournament, with prizes including: MVP ($150,000 + motorcycle), Most Runs ($100,000 + trophy + TV), Most Wickets ($100,000 + trophy + TV), Man-of-the-National Final ($75,000 + trophy + TV), Highest Strike Rate ($35,000), and Best Economy ($35,000).

The Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast has garnered support from a wide range of sponsors, including Kares Engineering Inc, the Office of the President, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, KFC Guyana, Star Rentals, Banks DIH, ENet, Guyana Lottery Company, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Impressions, Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal, Shawn’s Mini Mart, Giftland Group of Companies, Kris Jagdeo Construction Company, Montra Restaurant & Lounge, Windsor Estates, The New Doctor’s Clinic, GuyOil, ANSA McAL, SuperBet Guyana, Digital Technology, Camille’s Academy, Navin Construction, Demerara Mutual Life Insurance, Continental Transportation, and Environmental & Technical Solutions.