East Bank Inter-Village football kicks off this weekend with double-headers

The Eccles EE Community Centre ground will come alive this afternoon (Saturday, March 14) when the Sports Extra organised East Bank Inter-Village Football Competition kicks off with a double-header, commencing from 17:00h with the official march past of the contesting villages.

In the opening encounter at 18:00h, Kuru Kururu lock horns with Agricola in what is being touted to be a fiercely contested clash, while in the feature game Herstelling and Lower Soesdyke face off in what is anticipated to provide fans with a glimpse of what is to come during the competition.`

Twelve of the many villages located in the East Bank and Soesdyke Linden Highway environs will vie for top honours as the organisers attempt to resuscitate activity in the sport after an absence of organised competition.

According to Sports Extra, all the top football villages on the East Bank Demerara have confirmed participation and this is being interpreted as a positive step for the development of the sport along the corridor.

Teams have been placed into four groups of three with Agricola, Kuru Kururu and Mocha making up Group A, while Group B consists of Herstelling, Lower Soesdyke and Swan.

Grove, Circuitville and Upper Soesdyke make up Group C, while Timehri, Kaneville and Friendship are placed in Group D.

Sports Extra’s Franklin Wilson, quizzed on the importance of staging the tournament, responded by saying that the absence of organised football was glaringly noticeable within the communities, and he felt the urgent need to assist in its resurgence.

He firmly believes that the tournament will serve as a boost to get the game playing once again in a structured manner. He highlighted the Government’s vision of a ‘One Guyana’ as further motivation to improve relations among teams and community,

The additional spinoffs could see heightened economic activities on match days, while scouts will have the opportunity to use the tournament as a talent spotting occasion.

A total of G$3 million in prize monies will be up for grabs with the first prize set at G$1 million, while second, third and fourth prizes are G$500,000, G$250,000 and G$150,000 respectively, along with individual accolades for Best Goalkeeper, Most Valuable Player and Highest Goalscorer.

The competition continues on Sunday (March 15) with another double-header at the same venue.

In the opening game, Grove takes on Circuitville from 17:00h and this will be followed by the feature clash between Timehri and Kaneville.

Meanwhile, preceding the kick-off today, there will be a Grassroots Festival scheduled to start at 16:00h then the march pass of teams, before the first game.

Fans from the participating communities are being urged to come out and represent their stars.

Meanwhile, the Kuru Kururu line-up includes: Sherven Henry, Joshua Wilson, Elliah Witter, Carl Dundas, Kevin Scott, Leroy Evans, Christopher Alleyne, Moro Joseph, Tyler Gravesande, Micheal Cooper, Levi Sampson, Seth Adams, Kevon Walker, Shaquan Gordon, Scelon Rodrigues, Wezlon Harry, Jaden Allicock, Cleavon Murray and Darren Bazilio, while Agricola squad will have Collis Samuels, Christopher Adams, Kacey John, Jaden Paul, Lionel Richard, Kasih December, DeAnglo Dick, Shamar Sampson, Jamal Fiffe, Jonathan Andries, Seon Grant, Akeem Pompey, Andel Manchanlall, Egbert Nedd and Calvin Bowlin.

Herstelling team comprises: Jonathan Conyers, Nelson Jaime, Joangel Messa, Jonathan Bassanta, Jhony Bassanta, Malcolm Hendricks, Candel Hazel, Orlando Dickie, Theiry Moore, Christon Shewram, Adrian Macuare, Eleazer Vandez, Veiker Alfonzo, Yoiber Jose, Deoangle, Gasgon, Maikel Mosquera, Manuel Alejandro, Jose Salanzar and Johenni Mendoza.

Lower Soesdyke will have in their line-up: Daniel Persaud, Tyrone Burnette, Joshua Paul, Kevin Sobers, Emile Smith, Wayne Jones, Quincy Sutherland, Mark Barker, Alvin Adams, Shakean Allison, Shane Muesa, Troy Gibson, Cledwin Williams, Dolwin Boston, Jonathan Bailey, Nichozie Hope, Colin McLean, Nojouh Hooke, Nekey Benson and Deyonte Grant-Stuart.