Brazil and Bahamas to join expanded KFC International School Football tournament in Guyana

The KFC International Secondary School Football tournament is set for its largest edition after youth teams from Brazil and The Bahamas were confirmed to join the sixth annual Under-18 event in Guyana.

The expanded competition, announced at the tournament’s official launch on Wednesday, will run from December 14 to 21 and will feature international teams from six nations.

The eight participating schools will compete in a round-robin knockout format across two venues in Georgetown: the Ministry of Education Ground and the Queen’s College Ground.

The tournament marks the debuts of State School Monteiro Lobato in Brazil and the Anglican Central Education Authority in the Bahamas.

They will join established regional participants from Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Suriname.

Guyana will be represented by defending champions Chase’s Academic Foundation and Annai Secondary, while Jamaica sends Kingston College. The outcomes of the Republic Bank School League in Guyana and Suriname’s school competition will decide the final two school spots.

Deputy Chief Education Officer Marti DeSouza noted the expansion’s immediate impact, stating that Guyanese teams “will have to bring their A-Game” given the quality of the incoming international teams.

The event, coordinated by the Petra Organisation, continues to grow thanks to significant long-term investment.

Paul Subryan, CEO of KFC Guyana, highlighted the tournament’s upward trajectory: “This tournament is going places, and we have gone International… it gives young people a chance to live their dreams.”

Subryan further revealed a considerable investment of more than G$25 million dedicated to constructing pre-fab bleachers at the main venue, the Ministry of Education ground, demonstrating commitment to the event’s infrastructure.

Troy Mendonca, co-director of the Petra Organisation, confirmed the tournament’s vital function in providing a “pathway to scholarship” for past Most Valuable Players—a crucial opportunity for young athletes in the region.

Chase’s Academic Foundation of Guyana is the reigning champion, having secured the fifth KFC title after a highly tense final against St. Benedict’s College of Trinidad and Tobago.

The final ended goalless after extra time, leading to a dramatic nine-round penalty shootout. Chase’s goalkeeper, Flavio La Rose, proved the hero, saving the decisive spot-kick to seal an 8-7 victory.

Beyond the action on the pitch, a cultural showcase involving all teams will be held the day after the opening matches.

The list of past champions includes:

Shiva Boys’ Hindu College (Trinidad and Tobago) – 2018

Annai Secondary (Guyana) – 2019

D.C. Caesar Fox Secondary – Waramadong (Guyana) – 2022

Calarendon College (Jamaica) – 2023

Chase’s Academic Foundation (Guyana) – 2024