Fans, major stakeholder for DCC 2008

Jul 18, 2008 Sports

Concerts and musical events being looked at – Foley

By Franklin in Curacao compliments of Digicel

Football fans and lovers can look forward to lots of benefits as a major stakeholder of the 2008 Digicel Caribbean Championships which is set to kick off at the Ergilio Hato Stadium, Curacao on July 27.

This was the word of Digicel Group Head of Sponsorship Kieran Foley who spoke with Kaieteur Sport after the launching of the 2008 Championship at the Marriott Hotel, Curacao on Wednesday.

He said there will be lots of interactive events and promotions where fans will be actively involved as part of the build up at the nine host venues across the region.

“At the games we will have our usual fanfare giveaways going on, the kick for cash at half time and a lot of parties and promotions. In each individual country we are still trying to work out the possibility of running concerts or music events.

I know last time in Guyana we wanted to do it and it was closed down by the Police so it was very unfortunate but this time around hopefully we can try and make sure a good party atmosphere.”

As regards the on field progression of teams, Foley believes that the growth has been incredible over the past couple of years making specific reference to Guyana’s climb in the FIFA Coca Cola World rankings last year when the country made its best ever placing.

‘Guyana had a 100% record going into the Digicel finals last year and they were my favorites to win the tournament and I know this time around, speaking to Mr. Shabazz his hope is to get revenge on Suriname and to try and go a step further by bringing the Digicel Cup back to Guyana.”

Commenting on defending champions Haiti, Foley said that 150,000 people turned up at their airport to welcome them back home after they defeated Trinidad and Tobago in the last finals and that’s the kind of atmosphere he loves to see.

He expects another good showing from the defending champions but also noted that it will be a very competitive Championship this time around with the likes of Jamaica, who along with Haiti are the two teams already in the final round, Trinidad and Tobago and all the other teams aiming to do well also, which makes for an absorbing tournament.

“I know that Shabazz wants the same fan support like Haiti received when he comes back to Guyana with the Cup and to create that huge sense of pride.

Football is a big sport in Guyana, cricket is there, but people are really in tuned with football in Guyana and they are really passionate about it.”

Guyana he says has a strong team with the likes of 2006-07 DCC leading goal scorer Nigel ‘Powers’ Codrington who ended with 11 goals.

“You have a good side despite all the challenges you have faced and we hope to see even go further, its great for the tournament, so hopefully you guys can do good this year again.”
Guyana will host Suriname and another team to be named shortly in group ‘B’ play, from August 4 – 11.