Mayor Green bemoans absence of developmental programme

Jun 12, 2010 Sports

The winning team, the Guyana Defence Force, shows off their winning accolades

Mayor Cup winners collect respective accolades

If Mayor Hamilton Green gets his way, local footballers would have improved funding and better development programmes. At least those were his thoughts when he addressed the footballers that had participated in the just concluded Mayor’s Cup Football extravaganza when they convened at his office for the presentation of prizes, Wednesday morning last.
The championship match between the GDF and Santos was decided on penalty kicks after regulation and extra time failed to produce a winner. Mr. Green said that while he acknowledged the winners, he would have preferred to see the two teams battling to a decisive conclusion. “While sudden death is the format to decide the winner I would prefer to see the teams playing to a decisive conclusion even if they have to play ten times,” the Mayor said.
Mayor Green further opined that if local ball players received a percentage of the funding enjoyed by cricketers then their fortunes would be much better. “Despite the enormous funding enjoyed by cricketers, our performance at the regional level leaves much to be desired,” exhorted Mr. Green. He further pointed to a need to invest in the development of young players. Mr. Green then posited that because of the tight control mechanism wielded by the government, football would remain stagnated. He then charged the footballers to stand prepared to render their services to the initiatives should they be implemented.
The Mayor reminded the footballers of the many great men that have contributed to the rich legacy of the sport, urging them to keep the names and achievements of these past stars in the public’s sphere. “If we fail to remember the past we will not be able to appreciate the present,” said the Mayor.
Meanwhile, winners of the tournament, the Guyana Defence Force collected the Keith Smart trophy and $500,000, their winnings for ending in the first place, while administrators of the Santos FC received a cheque for $200,000 and a trophy for the team’s second place finish. Conquerors FC received $100,000 and a trophy for finishing third in the competition. Ryan Adolphus of the GDF won the award of most valuable player and carted off the fourteen inches television set donated by Keishars. Mustapha Haqq (Conquerors) and Nedd Fraser (Western Tigers) shared the award for the most goals. Both players netted thrice during the competition. O’Neil Heywood saved for Santos and was awarded the best goalkeeper accolade, while Brian Robinson of Golden Grove FC was nominated as the most outstanding goalie and received a pair of football boots for his efforts.
Mr. Sydwell Nedd chaired the proceedings and hailed the commitment of the players even as he extended gratitude to the many sponsors for making the event a success. He further voiced an appreciation to the media representatives that worked tirelessly in publicizing the results of the various matches.

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