Leon Grumble named Cellink Premier League MVP

Dec 06, 2008 Sports

Football is probably one of the most important sports to Guyana

– Robertson

Recipients of prizes from the 2008 Cellink Premier League display their silverware. Fourth from left is GT&T

Leon Grumble, leading midfield player of Champion Team Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United, was voted the Most Valuable Player when the curtains officially came down on the 2008 Cellink Premier League with a gala presentation ceremony on Thursday evening at the Water Chris Hotel, Quamina Street.

Guyana Defence Force striker Stellon David ended the two-round league as the highest goal scorer (13) with his team being declared the best offensive side scoring a total of 39 goals while conceding 11.

Fruta Conquerors’ Oswald Cornett was declared the most outstanding goalkeeper; Santos the most disciplined team and Kaieteur News’ Franklin Wilson took the best reporter trophy.

Alpha United retained the trophy by virtue of a better goal difference after ending with the same points (30) as Sunburst Camptown. GDF placed third and Conquerors fourth.

In his tournament report, Honorary Secretary of the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) Marlan Cole noted that a total of 56 matches were played lasting for a period of approximately 16 weeks among the eight participating teams.

One hundred and sixty two (162) goals were scored in total at an average of 2.50 per match. Alpha, Camptown, Pele, and Uprising each received three red cards out of a total of 16. Camptown and Pele also receiving the most yellow cards, 19 apiece, the total for the tournament was 124.

Of the eight competing teams, Santos and Uprising by virtue of finishing at the bottom of the table have booked their place in the division one ranks. It was also disclosed that these two teams were the only two not to fulfill the requirement of insuring their players for the tournament.

Cole declared that the move by the GFA to the Tucville ground enabled them to significantly reduce their overhead expenses. He said it was a break even position for the GFA, financially.

Cole expressed gratitude on behalf of his executive and general council to GT&T for their unwavering support for the development of football in the City and by extension, Guyana.

Appreciation was also expressed to Rhonda Johnson of GT&T, the Referees Council, Fruta Conquerors for the management of the grounds, GFA Office Staff (Lyall Gittens & Rovena Mohamed), the media, clubs, supporters and spectators.

In his feature remarks, GT&T’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Wystan Robertson affirmed that the competition has been growing from strength to strength over the two years they have been on board.

Robertson was emphatic in stating that football is probably one of the most important sports to Guyana, to its youth and continued development of young people.

“And it is something that we at GT&T share and we believe that this is always a worthwhile investment to help develop the youth of this country, it’s a worthwhile development to ensure that the future this country is taken care of. So it’s easy for us to get on board with something like this.”

The GFA was commended for the professional manner in which they have administered the tournament and according to Robertson, “I think it’s the best league that is around.”

The top GT&T executive is positive that the success of the Cellink Premier League has prompted a number of other corporate entities to come on board to support football development.

“It’s also important that organisers strive for excellence and you as players, the main stakeholders of this, continue to keep the high standard of discipline and play and grow the game from strength to strength.”

Robertson reminded the gathering that he has a vision for local football to one day; reach the heights of the La Liga and FA competitions.

“I really think this is what we have to strive for, football has opportunities for sponsors but it also has great opportunities for players and the challenge that I will always throw out is that we continue to strive for that level.”

GFA President Troy Mendonca challenged the gathering which included President of Alpha and a former GFA boss Odinga Lumumba, to adopt a professional approach to the game and to follow the modern trends the world’s greatest sport is following.