Footballers’ input acknowledged as Fruta Conquerors FC hosts appreciation ceremony

Jan 06, 2013 Sports

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By Michael Benjamin

The Fruta Conquerors FC lost 1-0 to Rhythm Squad and was booted out of the Banks DIH Premiere League football competition which concluded earlier this month. Notwithstanding, President of that entity, Wayne Forde, is adamant that his players have performed credibly over the past year and should feel heartened by their achievements.
Mr. Forde assured his charges of this when he delivered the feature address at an appreciation dinner hosted by the administration on the upper floor of the Salt and Pepper Restaurant, Robb Street Georgetown, Friday evening last.
Several other executive members of the club shared the head table with Mr. Forde including Secretary Daniel Thomas, Olinda George (Treasurer), Jolyon Lewis (Ass/Sec/treasurer) and Committee member Kayode Lambert. FIFA license player’s agent, Faizal Khan, and Coach of the club, Sampson Gilbert, also attended the function.

Mr. Forde said that his fellow executives were thoroughly impressed with the players’ performance over the year and decided to host the ceremony to express appreciation. He further said that it will be a yearly feature on the Fruta Conquerors calendar.
The Conqueror’s President further noted the input of the Guyana Beverage Company and the National Flour Mill Company (Namilco) in supporting the programmes of the club. None of the two businessmen attended the function and Mr. Forde explained that they were out of the country on official business. “These two gentlemen have sent their best wishes even as they have recommitted towards the club’s development,” Mr. Forde confided.
Mr. Forde was elected to the Presidency in April last year and since then has been piloting initiatives towards the club’s advancement.
He said that ever since assuming office he is heartened by the progress made. He also reminded the footballers that their input served as the backbone of developmental initiatives of the club. “You are the heart and soul of the club and your diligence and commitment have been the catalyst of the progress made so far,” exhorted Mr. Forde. Nevertheless he warned the footballers against complacency while urging them to aspire for bigger accomplishments. “We have accomplished much but there is still much more to be done,” said Mr. Forde.
Mr. Forde noted that the players have enjoyed glorious moments over the year winning several prestigious tournaments including the Banks Powerade tournament while placing second in the Coaches’ U-17 Goodwill tournament in March. They had also enjoyed some measure of success, placing 3rd in the Super 8 KO League in November among other tournaments.
The club’s executives were further heartened with the results of the summer camp hosted in August. Mr. Forde feels it was comprehensive while addressing matters and other issues related to the footballers’ development. That programme incorporated the input of qualified teachers from the Ministry of Education as well as other professionals and Mr. Forde feels that the ball weavers would have benefitted immensely from the initiative.
He was especially impressed with the successful staging of the Lester ‘Puppy’ Peters tournament late last year, in memory of Peters, a former national player and member of the club who had passed away in 2011. “Peter’s contribution to the sport is immense and worthy of recognition,’ advocated Mr. Forde. He also said that following a successful resolution to the current impasse with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the Georgetown Football Association (GFA), his executives will discuss ways of broadening on the scope of the tournament.
Shortly before wrapping up his presentation Mr. Forde advised the players to remain focused even as they aspire for higher goals. “Fruta Conquerors have invested hefty sums towards your development and we expect you to put in the effort that distinguishes your institution,” he said. “To whom much is given, much is asked,” he concluded.
The proceedings were chaired by Mr. Thomas who introduced FIFA license player’s agent, Faizal Khan who delivered a motivational speech on the business aspect of the sport.
He also stressed that investment in the youths is extremely important as it facilitates ongoing development. Mr. Khan also touched on the vagaries of the sport while underlining key variables like commitment, discipline and sacrifice as essential conduits of success.
Meanwhile, several players received special commendations for their input in the club’s development. Kareem Knights received the award for being the best aspiring youth player of 2012 while Adrian Adonis copped the senior equivalent.
Trevon Lythcott was voted the most committed player while Delon Williams’ long service to the club earned him a special award. Joshua Browne was voted the most improved player while Vurlon Mills’ efficiency was noted; he received an award for his dedication and commitment to the club.
Shortly afterwards members of the media were invited to join the executives and players to a sumptuous dinner.

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