Latest update November 21st, 2024 1:00 AM
Team Integrity secures GFF Presidency
-Lumumba’s somersault flattens Team Unity chances
While conceding that a lot of work needs to be done, newly elected President of the Guyana Football Federation Wayne Forde of Team Integrity called on all Guyana to rise to the challenge to change
Newly elected President of the GFF Wayne Forde (3rd right) poses with executive members (from left) – Raiyan Farias, Keith O’Jeer, Dion Inniss, Bruce Lovell (Brig Ret’d) and Magzene Stewart yesterday at the Marriott Hotel.
the fortunes of local football.
Forde, who headed the slate of Team Integrity, defeated the Nigel Hughes Team Unity faction by securing 12 of the 22 votes on offer yesterday, at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston.
The new GFF Head speaking with the media shortly after the conclusion of what can best be described as the most important Electoral Congress following the dissolvement of the FIFA mandated Normalisation Committee, told the gathering that “it is not only a challenge for me, but the entire Guyana.”
He said that a general assessment will have to start soon to determine where the Federation and the state of football are presently to chart the way forward.
“I am humbled to have received this mandate and it is a clear demonstration that the football fraternity is eager for the requisite changes to propel the sport forward; the change they have hoped for has finally arrived,” Forde commented.
The Congress which had in attendance President of the Caribbean Football Union Gordon Derrick, its General Secretary Neil Cochrane and CONCACAF Director of Legal Affairs Marco Leal ended in the opening round of voting.
Forde told the media that he had extended a warm hand of friendship to Team Unity to join them in helping to further the development of the sport which has suffered from decades of mismanagement.
According to the President, Team Unity brought with them individuals with talent and experience and his executive will be seeking ways in which they can be invited to contribute to the sport.
He commended the Electoral Body that conducted the elections, referring to the process as very thorough and transparent that allowed voters to express their preferred choices.
Forde acknowledged that both teams had vital interests in the development of the sport.
Derrick in his remarks said that the future of football in Guyana is bright and called on the new body to continue the good work done by the NC.
He congratulated the new executive, adding that the work to restore Guyana’s football had started under the NC so it is just a matter of continuing along that path.
However, the Congress was not without its drama which occurred when Team Unity’s 1st Vice-President Odinga Lumumba, who had held a press briefing on Thursday to announce his withdrawal from the position, was told that there is no provision to accommodate such a request, but he will either have to remain in the position or withdraw all together.
Lumumba despite the urging of fellow members of his slate declined and it appeared to have backfired since sources close to the issue revealed that it seemed to have impacted on promised support and the rest is history.
Meanwhile, Director of Sport Christopher Jones through the National Sports Commission has extended their congratulations to Team Integrity following their victory.
A Release from the NSC stated that, The National Sports Commission expresses congratulations to the newly elected President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Mr Wayne Ford and his Executives.
The NSC notes with much anticipation the commitment to move forward and fully supports your initiative which is to “Implement and sustain a more representative approach to governance with a consultative decision making process that value and reflects the input of all stakeholders”.
The NSC further welcomes as stated by Team Integrity, to “Establish partnership for the expansion of scholarship opportunities for young footballers based both on excellence in the sport as well as academic performance”.
The NSC looks forward to a healthy relationship with the newly elected President and Executive of the GFF. Congratulations
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