Latest update January 23rd, 2025 7:40 AM
Exciting start has given us renewed energy – Mendonca
Now that the Courts Pee Wee Schools Football Tournament has started Kaieteur Sport (KS) posed a few questions to Director of the Petra Organisation, the entity responsible for co-ordinating the event.
Below are the questions posed to Director Troy Mendonca (TM) and here are his responses.
KS-First, let me ask you in your capacity of being a member of the Organising Committee if you were satisfied with the turnout of parents and fans last Saturday?
Managing Director of Courts (Guyana) Clyde DeHaas (left) and Petra Organisation Director Troy Mendonca, seen chatting shortly before the kick-off of the Pee Wee Schools Tournament last Saturday.
TM-We were more than satisfied, as a matter of fact, we were overwhelmed with excitement and this has given us renewed energy to deliver a high quality tournament that overtime will produce the kind of players who could go on to represent this country at the highest level, while the competition could serve to augment the local football programme.
KS-Given the limited time the schools had to prepare for the competition, were you impressed with the level of play seen?
TM-Definitely, we were very impressed with the talent that was displayed and I think we have gone in the right direction by using the schools for this programme.
KS-Do you expect the standard to improve as the tournament progresses with the teams having more time to adequately prepare?
TM-Definitely, we think that now the tournament is up and running the teams will be more organized.
KS-Are you satisfied with the commitment and support being given by the respective schools?
TM-Kudos must be given to the schools, especially the persons who were directly involved, since most of these schools didn’t have a football programme prior, but were able to mobilize a team to compete.
KS-We saw a few teams come a bit late even though it did not affect the smooth execution of the fixtures, but will this be addressed in the coming weeks?
TM-All the teams arrived early according to the fixtures, except for one school that was delayed because of circumstances beyond their control.
KS-What about the support offered by the referees and I ask the question on the basis of seeing just two referees officiating in some of the matches. Will this be the ongoing scenario?
TM-The Guyana Referees Council is supportive of this tournament, but based on information a few referees who were slated to officiate did not turn up because of unforeseen circumstances. Nevertheless this situation has been addressed and all the necessary steps will be put in place to correct same.
KS-What about the support of the media has it met with the satisfaction of the Organisers and sponsors?
TM-We are very happy with the support from the media thus far and look forward to the continued assistance to enhance this grassroots initiative.
Initially, we were very apprehensive about the idea of hosting this Tournament among Primary Schools. However, it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened, because of the amount of players that was given an opportunity to showcase their talent and the bonding and camaraderie shared between players, teachers, parents and supporters from different schools. We are, therefore, very thankful for the response and support given by the Headmasters , Headmistresses, Teachers, Parents , Coaches , the Ministry of Education Allied Arts Department, Banks DIH Limited and last but not least Courts Guyana Inc. for making Saturday special.
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