Latest update April 7th, 2025 12:08 AM
Third Annual 2-Million NAMILCO Football Festival unveiled
Kick off this Friday at Tucville ground; Camptown face Uprising, Pele play Flamingo
By Franklin Wilson
The Third Annual NAMILCO (National Milling Company of Guyana) Football Festival, an annual fund raising tournament organised by the Fruta Conquerors Football Club, was unveiled yesterday in the Board room of the main sponsor and is set to kick off on Friday at the Tucville ground.
NAMILCO has pumped Two Million dollars into the 2009 edition of the tournament which will see new champions being crowned since defending champions Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United has pulled out and was replaced by Flamingo FC.
Managing Director NAMILCO Bert Sukhai (4th right) presents the cheque to Fruta Conquerors President (Ag) Ivor Thompson at the tournament launch.
The top team will walk away with $500,000, an increase of $100,000 from last year. The losing finalist pockets $200,000. Winner of the third place clash will earn $100,000 with $50,000 going to the loser.
While a number of the traditional sponsors are not on board this year owing to a number of unforeseen challenges, Global Technology has maintained their support and will be offering the usual two scholarships for computer courses at their school.
Sixteen teams will contest the knock-out tournament, nine from the city and seven invited from other Associations affiliated to the Guyana Football Federation.
Those from the city are Sunburst Camptown, Pele, Fruta Conquerors, BK International Western Tigers, Uprising, Flamingo, Georgetown Football Club, Santos and the Guyana Defense Force.
Berbice’ top team New Amsterdam United will carry the flag for the Ancient County, BV Triumph United, Bakewell Buxton Stars, Victoria Kings and Buxton United will represent the East Demerara Football Association, Bakewell Topp XX comes from the Bauxite Linden and Sewall FC from the West Demerara Association.
Acknowledging that sports is a powerful tool and a multimillion dollar industry in the world, Managing Director of NAMILCO Bert Sukhai in feature remarks noted that his company was very delighted to be teaming up with Fruta Conquerors once again to bring off the tournament which has cemented itself as part of the annual football calendar.
Sukhai, an ardent lover of sports, pointed out that his company which is celebrating 40 years of excellent and progressive service to Guyanese having opened its doors in May of 1969 sees sports as the catalyst for the development of the nation.
“I am looking forward to a great tournament this year and I must say that I am pleased with the financial stewardship of the club and that the money is well spent. We are happy to be involved and will also be helping the club in other ways during and after the competition.”
Acting President of the Club, Ivor Thompson in his remarks lauded NAMILCO for their continued investment in the club and its development pointing out that the company has played a significant role in the present state of the club.
“NAMILCO has contributed to where we are as a club today, our new club house, lights, sanitary and facilities among other things. This tournament also helps us to forge friendships between other clubs around Guyana.”
Sunburst Camptown has been drawn to face Uprising in the first game of the tournament on Friday evening from 18:00hrs at the Tucville ground with main event bringing together Pele and Flamingo.
According to the organisers, fans can look forward to the usual giveaways compliments of NAMILCO. Special gate prizes will be presented on each night where the company will be showcasing one of eight different products on each night of the tournament.
All tournament proceeds go towards the continued enhancement and development of the Tucville ground and its environs which has become the Mecca of Football in the City.
Also attending yesterday’s launch were NAMILCO’s Financial Controller Automaran Lakeram, Engineer Ralph Hemsing and Fruta Conqueror’s Treasurer, Candia Shepherd.
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