Kashif and Shanghai plans bigger tournament

Jan 10, 2009 Sports

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Secondary school championship on the cards

By Michael Benjamin
One part of the organising duo of the Kashif and Shanghai Football tournament, Kashif Mohammad disclosed that plans are in train to broaden the scope of the tournament from 18 to 24 teams in a round robin format even as his organisation is in the process of launching the inaugural Inter-Secondary School Football Championships later this year. He said that the school championship will have all the trimmings of the current K&S yearly extravaganza.
Mohammad made these announcements at the Water Chris hotel where the prize giving ceremony organised to honour the outstanding achievements of footballers and clubs that participated in the recent yearend extravaganza was held.
He said that while he was extremely satisfied with the general results of the tournament, he was disappointed with the attendance level at the prize giving function. “Players need to understand that this occasion is an integral part of the tournament and concludes their commitment to the K&S organisation,” he said.
The organiser offered special gratitude to the corporate sector for once again demonstrating faith in the tournament, while giving special commendations to His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo for his continued support to the tournament. Mr Jagdeo had donated the first prize of one million dollars, eventually won by the Pele Football Club.

Mohammad lamented the decision to shift the finals from the Mackenzie Sports Complex to the Providence Stadium saying that the poor infrastructural condition of the Linden facility was mainly responsible for the switch. “I am extremely disappointed in the quality of the playing surfaces,” he said, “We will not be able to host competitive games on such poor surfaces nor produce good footballers by churning out excuses,” he concluded.
Kashif also lauded the work of the President of the Guyana Football Association and Camptown coach, Troy Mendonca noting that such hard work was reflected in the quality of play of the city teams.
President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Colin Klass, delivered the feature address and launched a scathing attack on the absent footballers. “I’m very disappointed that the other teams failed to show up for this important ceremony. It reflects poorly on our attitude and discipline, two very important variables to success,” Klass said. He subsequently reiterated that discipline and team work must be a crucial ingredient if football is to progress.
The GFF boss noted that once again K&S were able to deliver a qualitative tournament that was indicative of the hard word of the group. “Many people only see the end result but it must be noted that without the foundation and hard work nothing can be achieved,” he reminded the gathering.
Klass said that notwithstanding the excellent dividends, much work remains to be done if local footballers are to boast of development. “The fact that we have not been able to finish in the final four in the regional tournament signals the need for improvement in the quality of play,” he stated.
The local football czar subsequently lauded the performance of the referee panel noting that there has been great improvement in this department. He said that the GFF, in effectively addressing its mandate, focuses on developmental strategies for local referees. “It is, therefore, no wonder that three of our (female) referees have been selected to officiate on the international scene,” Klass boasted.
Addressing other issues, Klass warned that the GFF will employ a zero tolerance disposition for those that flagrantly break the law. “Brawling on the field will not be tolerated,” he said. He said that the GFF is not oblivious to the many comments that seem to suggest that some players may be dabbling in dope.
He said that in the new dispensation his organization will work closely with the international doping agency, WADA, in the periodic implementation of random checks, in an effort to curtail the incidence of drug use. He also denounced the high incidence of betting saying that this practice has beset the fraternity even though FIFA frowns on such behaviour. He said that executives of the GFF will be attending to such issues with an aim of reduction and possible eradication.
The awards ceremony immediately followed the addresses and Charles ‘Lily’ Pollard rode off with a Jailing 125CC motorcycle donated by R&F Mining Company after he was adjudged the Most Valuable Player.
Shemroy Arthur (Pele) carted off the accolade for the Most Outstanding Goalie. Pele featured once again when their coach Denzil Thompson, received the nod for being the Most Outstanding coach. Camptown’s coach, Troy Mendonca received special mention in this department. Alpha United and Conquerors Football Clubs shared the award for Fair Play.
Pele’s Lindon Simmonds was adjudged the most improved player while Curt Murphy of the Linden’s Topp XX team was voted the most disciplined player. Pele Football Club was also the beneficiary of 25 replica trophies from Mohammed’s Enterprise and a complete set of uniforms compliments of former member, Dr. Colin Watson of the USA.

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