Mendonca announces bid for GFF Presidency

Aug 08, 2026 Sports

---

Kaieteur Sports – Former Guyana international player and veteran football administrator Troy Mendonca has formally announced his candidacy for the presidency of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), confirming that he will contest the 2027 elections for the post currently held by President Wayne Forde.

The announcement was made on Thursday at Cara Lodge Hotel, before an audience of family members, football officials, sponsors, and well-wishers of the sport. With soft lighting and cocktail-style table decor, the setting reflected the significance of what many attendees view as a potentially defining moment for Guyanese football.

Troy Edgar Mendonca brings to the contest more than four decades of service to the sport, both in Guyana and across the Caribbean. His experience spans roles as a player for club and country, a businessman, and what many consider an authority on grassroots development.

For many, this decision has been a long time coming—yet it arrives at what feels like the right moment. Many of us have witnessed, first-hand, the decline of a game that once drew tens of thousands of spectators to community fields, stadiums, and even the iconic GFC ground. With widespread development occurring across the country, the question remains: are we seeing the same transformation within football? For many, the answer is no. That sentiment sends a strong message that the time has come—and that a man of this calibre may be exactly what the sport needs at the helm; someone whose singular goal is to develop the game we all love. It is an opportune time for GFF leadership to reflect its promises in practice—leadership that builds the sport from the ground up, rather than only at the national level.

“The time has come for football to be headed by a true servant of the game, and not by those who are aroused by the perks the post holds,” an echoed sentiments.

Speaking before the gathering, Mendonca said his decision to run followed extensive discussions with his family, the Petra Organisation, Camptown Football Club, and other football stakeholders. He pledged to prioritise transparency and accountability, with particular emphasis on grassroots football development, club and regional association growth, education and certification for coaches and referees, improved facilities nationwide, and stronger national programmes.

The campaign has already secured a high-profile endorsement from Ramsay Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Products Limited, who issued an endorsement speech at the announcement, throwing his full support behind a long-time friend.

“I have had the distinct privilege of knowing Mr. Troy Mendonca for the past 35 years or so,” Ali said. “Over that time, Troy has become much more than a very good friend to me—I can most easily and sincerely refer to him as a brother.”

“When Troy called to tell me that he intended to take the bold step of seeking the presidency of the Guyana Football Federation, I was elated,” Ali continued. “For many years, I have encouraged him to consider making this move, because I have always believed that he has the knowledge, experience, character, and commitment required to serve football at the highest administrative level in Guyana.”

Ali pointed to Mendonca’s record both on the field and in administration, noting that he co-founded the Petra Organisation alongside Marlon Cole—an initiative that has since delivered strong results in developing youth football across Guyana, providing structure, opportunity, and encouragement for young players nationwide.

“The man ascends with a wealth of knowledge—a person who knows football. Simple,” Ali said. “If given this opportunity, he understands the task ahead will not be easy, especially given the present climate within the football fraternity in Guyana. But Troy is made of sterner stuff. He will build a strong team around him, and with time, resources, and support, I am confident he will help move our football to a place where all Guyanese who have an interest in the sport can be proud.”

Ali closed his remarks on an aspirational note for the wider game: “With the right leadership, vision, and unity, Guyana can one day achieve that elusive place in the World Cup Finals.”

Backed by unwavering passion and commitment, Mendonca’s journey in football began in 1981 at the Milerock Football Club in Linden, where he played until 1992 before relocating to Georgetown for work. He swiftly joined Camptown Football Club and went on to represent the Guyana Senior National team—a career built on dedication, discipline, and pride, before transitioning into administration. He served as Treasurer of the successful Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, as President and Coach of Camptown FC, and was later elected to lead the Georgetown Football Association, a period widely regarded as one of the finest for football in the capital, with leagues spanning from Under-11 to senior levels. Since 2012, alongside Marlon Cole, he has co-directed the Petra Organisation, often seen as the face of grassroots football, partnering with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and corporate Guyana to deliver some of the most attractive age-group football seen over the past decade.

Troy Mendonca’s story is ultimately one of service, passion, and commitment—a legacy that can be measured by the lasting impact he has made on the sport for more than 30 years.

---

• GFF, Guyanese football, presidency, Troy Mendonca

---