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Glittering colours herald opening of 20th Kashif and Shanghai football tournament
The 20th edition of the Kashif and Shanghai football extravaganza got underway yesterday afternoon at the National Stadium amidst a cornucopia of colours and the presence of the greatest footballer to grace the planet, King Pele.
Twenty teams, all resplendently attired, are battling for top honours in what is expected to be nicely wrapped Christmas package for Guyanese football buffs.
Pele greets adoring fans at the Providence Stadium yesterday.
Pele arrived at the National Stadium at around 19:15hrs to the rapturous applause of those in attendance and some twenty minutes later, walked to the centre of the field to observe the march past and take the salute.
Wearing a gold colored T shirt with ‘Brazil’ emblazoned at the front the ‘King of Footballer’ stood erect as the various teams, led by the Linden Constabulary Marching Band, trooped past the officials’ dais before a top delegation that included King Pele, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, the Brazilian Ambassador, GFF President Colin Klass and the Kashif and Shanghai duo, Kashif Muhammad and Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major. .
In a short speech, Minister of Culture Youth and Sports, Frank Anthony endorsed the momentousness of the visit even as he acknowledged the benefits that would obviously be derived from Pele’s presence here.
Prime Minister, Sam Hinds said that Pele’s visit can be the beginning of greater collaborative efforts between Guyana and Brazil.
“Thanks for coming to Guyana and bon voyage,” Mr. Hinds implored.
In response, Pele called for love among local football affiliates moments before he greeted the fans, merging with those in the stands.
The football icon then met the two teams that participated in the feature contest. Those teams hold fond memories for the football icon as the local side Pele was christened after him. He also represented Santos during his illustrious career. The legend further signed autographs and took photos with members of the two teams as well as the youngsters bearing the FIFA flags.
He then performed the honours of kicking off the ball to signal the start of the game.
The football legend then watched as the team named in his honour clinically destroyed Santos 4-1 to cart off the honours.
Earlier in the night, new comers to the tournament, Grove Hi Tech needled Milerock of Linden to create the first upset of the tournament. Moments after the Muslim and Christian faiths delivered prayers.
After the games, Pele left the stadium for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timerhi for the return trip to his homeland.
For the many fans that were afforded the unique opportunity of meeting Pele, it was truly a nostalgic moment. Now as the excitement abates, fans can settle for the exhilarating action in the days ahead.
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