GFA / Banks Beer collaborate for $4million Xmas KO Cup

Dec 10, 2011 Sports

-Clubs promise full strength teams

By Rawle Welch
Teams affiliated to the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) will have an opportunity

to exhibit their skills in what is anticipated to be an exhilarating knockout tournament which is set to commence tomorrow with a double header, at the GFC ground.
The governing body for the sport in Georgetown yesterday inked an agreement with beverage giants Banks DIH that will see the 15 affiliated teams square off for total prize monies in excess of $4million with $2million going to the winner, while the runner-up team pockets $1million, third place $500,000 and fourth place $250,000 along with trophies.
Conducted in the Boardroom of the local company yesterday, Banks DIH under its Banks Beer product launched the GFA / Banks Beer Knockout Cup and in attendance at the occasion were GFA executives led by President Vernon Burnett and Vice-President Mark Phillips, while the sponsor was represented by PRO Troy Peters, Outdoor Events Manager Mortimer Stewart, Banks Beer Brand Manager Brian Choo-Hen and Premium Beer Brand Manager Geoff Clement.
Also in attendance at the launching were representatives of the clubs that will be participating in the 8-day knockout fiesta that is set to produce a high brand of football within the Georgetown environ.
Among the clubs slated to participate are reigning champions Alpha United, while the other teams are Sunburst Camptown, Fruta Conquerors, Riddim Squad, Santos, GFC, Flamingo, Northern Rangers, Beacons, GDF, Guyana Police Force, Black Pearl, Houston Stars, University of Guyana and Charlestown United.
It was intimated that the Organisers are making attempts to add another team to make it 16 teams.
Speaking at the launching, President Burnett, shortly after thanking Banks DIH for once again placing confidence in the GFA to run an effective tournament, said he has no doubt that the Cup will provide crowd pleasing football for the fans, who will also have the opportunity to see first hand the new crop of future stars in the sport.
“I would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Banks DIH for making the event possible and I want to say here today that the idea to play this tournament came about due to the fact that the players are accustom to playing football in December,” Burnett disclosed.
He added that all by now should know that Georgetown teams were not invited to the tournament that is usually held around this time so the General Council made a decision to go out in search of sponsors to reward the clubs that has shown faith in them.
Burnett rated the prize monies on offer as probably the biggest to be offered from any GFA executive.
The GFA Head also said that all the clubs have agreed to field their strongest line-ups so that the tournament will not only be one that doles out the largest pay day for the winning teams, but also one that could build a legacy of providing quality and entertainment for fans come year end.
He mentioned that the General Council have also approved any player who participates as guest players in the other year end event will be penalised.
Choo-Hen in his remarks reminded those in attendance of the Company’s strong commitment to assist in the development of sports across the country, while making mention of its long history of supporting sport and more directly football.
He spoke of the good relationship the Company has with the GFA, pointing out that is due to the strong connection between the two parties that makes him believe that the tournament will be a huge success.
Choo-Hen urged the clubs to do everything in their power to ensure that the undertaking is a success that could encourage them to remain on board.
Meanwhile, Phillips gave a brief overview of the tournament, but not before acknowledging the input of Stewart, who he felt was instrumental in convincing the management support the venture.
Phillips revealed that security that includes the Guyana Police Force and the entity’s own personnel will be in full force during the staging of the competition.
The final is set for Jan 1.