K&S tournament finals set for Bayroc

Oct 05, 2026 Sports

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…tournament kicks off at MSC Dec. 13

By Rawle Toney

(Kaieteur News) – The Kashif & Shanghai Football Tournament has officially announced its return to Linden, with organisers promising a high-stakes revival of one of Guyana’s most enduring football traditions under the compelling theme, “Destination Linden, Football Means Business.”

The tournament, which was officially launched on Saturday in Linden, will run from December 13, 2026, to January 1, 2027, with 16 First Division teams set to battle for a share of $8m in total prize money.

For the first time since 2008, the tournament’s championship final will return to Linden, bringing the prestigious competition back to the community where it has produced some of its most memorable moments.

The entire tournament will be played exclusively in Linden, with matches divided between the Mackenzie Sports Club and the Bayroc National Stadium.

The opening matches will be staged on December 13 at the recently redesigned Mackenzie Sports Club, which will also host games on December 20, 25 and 29.

Bayroc will take centre stage on December 18, 22 and 26, before hosting the grand final on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2027.

For Linden, the return is about far more than football.

It represents the restoration of a major sporting tradition and the revival of a tournament that has long been intertwined with the town’s identity, while also presenting an opportunity for the community to benefit economically from the influx of players, supporters, officials and visitors.

At Saturday’s launch, Kashif & Shanghai Co-Director Kashif Muhammad spoke about the tournament’s return and the organisation’s desire to help revive football in Linden, while Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Steven Jacobs offered a broader perspective on what the competition means for the town and its people.

Jacobs pointed to the tournament’s remarkable evolution since its inception in 1989, when only four teams participated.

What began as a modest football competition has, over 37 years, developed into one of Guyana’s most recognised football tournaments, creating unforgettable moments while providing generations of players with a platform to compete, develop and attract attention.

According to Jacobs, this year’s theme, “Destination Linden – Football Means Business,” is particularly appropriate.

“A tournament of this magnitude is not only about what happens on the field; it creates opportunities for hotels, Airbnbs, restaurants, transportation providers, vendors and other local businesses. I therefore encouraged businesses in Linden to begin preparing early to capitalise on the increased economic activity and the large number of supporters expected for the tournament,” Minister Jacobs said.

The minister also linked the tournament’s return to the broader development taking place in Linden, highlighting, “importantly, Kashif & Shanghai returns at a time when Linden itself is undergoing significant transformation, with major investments in roads and other infrastructure, the new Wismar four-lane bridge, increased accommodation options and improved sporting facilities.”

Jacobs pledged the full support of his ministry and the Government of Guyana, while emphasising the tournament’s potential impact on the country’s young footballers.

According to Minister Jacobs, “beyond the economic impact, Kashif & Shanghai provides our young footballers with a competitive platform to showcase their talent, attract the attention of scouts and potentially open doors to greater opportunities.”

Muhammad confirmed that the 2026/27 edition will retain its traditional First Division character, with only First Division clubs eligible to participate.

That decision means several prominent clubs, including former champions Slingerz FC, Camptown and Fruta Conquerors, will not feature, as Elite League teams have been excluded from this year’s competition.

The decision ensures that the tournament remains focused on providing First Division clubs and their players with a major competitive stage, while preserving the character of the competition that has made it such an important fixture on Guyana’s football calendar.

The tournament’s return also rekindles a rich history in Linden.

Topp XX remains the most successful club in Kashif & Shanghai history, having won the coveted title five times. Its first championship came in the 1994/95 season with a 2-1 victory over fellow Linden club Milerock.

Topp XX triumphed again in 1996/97, defeating Pele 3-0, before securing back-to-back championships in 1999/00 and 2000/01. The Linden powerhouse defeated Conquerors 3-1 for its fourth title before overcoming Camptown on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

Its fifth and most recent championship came in 2005/06, when Topp XX defeated Alpha United 1-0.

Milerock has three titles to its name, while Alpha United won twice.

The roll of honour also features Eagles United, Botafogo, Camptown, Beacon’s, Pele, Victoria Kings, Conquerors, Western Tigers, Buxton United and Slingerz FC, alongside Trinidad and Tobago clubs Doc’s Khelwalaas, Joe Public and Caledonia AIA.

The tournament’s history is also filled with unforgettable drama. In the 1992/93 final, Botafogo and Central Hikers shared the championship after their title clash ended in a draw.

The most recent edition, held in 2015, saw Slingerz FC defeat Alpha United 2-0.

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• Football Means Business, K&S football, Kashif & Shanghai, Linden Football

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