Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Competition… D-Day has arrived, who will it be?

Aug 02, 2015 Sports

---

By Rawle Welch

After nearly two months of grueling competition, D-Day has arrived to declare a champion in this year’s Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Tournament which will conclude today, at the National Stadium, Providence.
Defending three-time champion Christianburg / Wismar will lock horns with new aspirants Chase’s Academic Foundation for the title, while last year’s beaten finalist Waramadong will tackle Annai for third place.
It is anticipated that fans will be flocking the Stadium to get a glimpse of some of Guyana’s future football stars as they battle for supremacy in what has been rightfully declared the biggest junior football showpiece locally.
The feature game which starts at 18:00 hrs is anticipated to be an enthralling encounter against two teams that mirror each other in almost every aspect of the game.
However, the reigning champs no doubt will go into the game with a decisive edge, having played before large crowds ever since the tournament commenced and because they matchup similarly in height, size and skill, the advantage of feeling at home in front of a large crowd in what is expected to be a hostile atmosphere could prove vital.
Chase’s Academic Foundation has never been this far in the competition and combine that with the reality of playing at the large venue could make any player of the team feel overawed by the occasion.
On the other hand, the Lindeners have made it to the final on every single occasion since the tournament’s birth and are accustomed to playing in front of a large crowd so their level of nervousness if any could dissipate much quicker that their opponents.
Having said all of that, the real battle is on the field and this is where the match gets even with both teams possessing players of exceptional skills and ability.
Christianburg / Wismar will have in their line-up players the likes of Dequan Hercules, who seems to be a rare mid-field talent, while Kendolph Lewis has looked unstoppable going forward. He is indeed a special player who can distribute the ball, but also has the ability to leave defenders in his wake with his sudden turn of speed.
Then there is Omar Brewley, who began the tournament a bit tentative, but has blossomed in confidence and is a joy to watch doing his magic, weaving past defenders at will.
Antwaine Gill and Jovon Bobb are also gifted scorers and attention would have to be focused on them also, while the lanky Amaniki Buntin is a tower of strength in the set pieces where he uses his superior height to perfection.
What more could be said of their Captain Tevin Crawford, whose heroics to date has been nothing short of thrilling to watch, especially in penalty situations.
However, Chase’s Academic Foundation is no pushover either and players the quality of Kelsey Benjamin whose dribbling skills and speed could terrify any backline will no doubt attract careful attention.
Then there is Ryan Hackett, who has been a high performer at every level he has played in his short career and he seems to be finding his touch again and will have to be marked closely to negate his effect.
Job Caesar, who has the distinction of scoring the first ever goal in the competition’s history is another gifted player with immense talent and while his role of recent is to distribute the ball to Benjamin and Hackett, Christianburg / Wismar must watch out for his sudden explosive forays which are often deadly.
Andre Trotz is another player of quality and he too is capable of a match winning performance so the die is cast and fans can anticipate a close contest.
The third place playoff is a virtual final as well, with fans favourite Waramadong going up against new kids on the block, Annai, in a battle that could determine the best team from the hinterland regions.
Waramadong still wears that sobriquet, but the performance of Annai this year could change all of that.
During a recent press briefing both teams expressed confidence on finishing third, but with only the winner earning that position then the battle is well and truly on.
Azual Medina, Ashton Ward, Delmar George will be the players to watch for Waramadong who’re aiming to end on a high after another disappointing loss to nemesis Christianburg / Wismar.
Annai’s charge for victory will be spearheaded by Garville Daniels, who has been the main architect of wins, while his brother Sherral usually work in tandem with him.
The fight for bragging rights is truly on and fans are being urged to be early to witness what is considered to be two finals in one.
The winning team will take way $1million, 2nd place- $600,000, 3rd place- $400,00 and 4th place- $350,000, all to go towards school projects.
Kickoff is 16:00 hrs and lots of giveaways will be given to patrons, especially those coming early.

---

---