GT&T commits to continued sponsorship of Cellink Premier League
2009 prizes presented; Shawn Bishop cops MVP award, Ronson Williams is best goalie
By Franklin Wilson
The Cellink Premier League (CPL) is here for a very long time to come, that was the commitment given by Marketing Director of the Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company, Wyston Robertson at the 2009 presentation ceremony held at the Company’s Canteen, Hadfield Street, yesterday afternoon.
Robertson was delivering the feature remarks at the presentation which was also attended by Ms. Rhonda Johnson of the Marketing Department, President of the Georgetown Football Association and Assistant Secretary Treasurer, Lester Sealy.
Alpha United Captain Howard Lowe (seated 2nd right) pose with the Cellink Premier League championship trophy. Also in front row from right, Wyston Robertson (GT&S Director of Marketing) Rhonda Johnson (GT&T Marketing) and Troy Mendonca (GFA President). Standing from left, Marlon Washington (GDF) Lyall Gittens (GFA), Ronson Williams, Sampson Gilbert (Sunburst Camptown), Wayne St. Jules (Fruta Conquerors) Lester Sealy (GFA) and Shawn Bishop.
Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United, for the third consecutive year retained the Cellink Premier League championship and fourth Premier League title in a row in the two rounds, eight team tournament. Sunburst Camptown ended as the runner-up team for the second year with the Guyana Defence Force taking third and Fruta Conquerors, fourth.
Shawn Bishop walked away with two awards, Most Valuable Player and joint top goal scorer, an award he shared with Mervin Joseph of Pele. The two players ended with 12 goals each. Alpha’s Ronson Williams captured the best goalkeeper trophy as his team was named the best offensive side, scoring a total of 43 goals while only conceding 8 for a goal difference of 35. Kaieteur News Senior Sports Reporter Franklin Wilson was named the best reporter for the second consecutive year.
Robertson in congratulating Alpha for retaining the championship trophy for another year informed that the tournament is one of the first’s he put together after taking up the mantle as Director of Marketing.
“For us it was deciding that this was money well spent and this is an area where we as a company needed to do our part in terms of the development of football and development of youth and the country as a whole.”
Kudos of the highest order was showered on the GFA by Robertson who said they have done a marvelous job over the three years.
“The players and teams have been outstanding; I think the product of the league can compete in any other arena within the Caribbean if not in the world and this is judging from the successes of the league.”
With regards to the company’s commitment to the CPL, Robertson was happy to note that it will be around for a long time while acknowledging that it has made its mark in terms of contributing to the overall development of the game in Guyana.
“It has made an impression on football in Guyana and we’re proud of that, it has made an impression on the lives of persons in Guyana and we’re proud of that. So we will {GT&T} will continue to put our money, will continue to put our support behind the CPL, so we are looking for a bigger and better league in 2010.”
GFA President Troy Mendonca hailed the ceremony as simple but symbolic as he reflected on the sterling contribution GT&T has made in the development of the game through sponsoring the Premier League through its brand Cellink.
Mendonca noted that the main goal of his association is to have football played on a consistent level in all categories with the flagship tournament being the Cellink Premier League. All other tournaments he said are feeder tournaments.
The former national defender, noted that recently it was reported in the press that Guyana Football Federation President Klass gave credit to the National League for the recent success of the national senor team, “But we can attest that the Cellink Premier League plays its role in preparing these players mentally, physically and tactically as a result of consistent football over the past three years.” Mendonca stated.
While giving kudos to Alpha for retaining the trophy, Mendonca said it is a clear indication that the order of the day is for players to be paid and as a nation we must strive for a professional league. “But I must implore on administrators that even though we are operating in an amateur league we must adopt new policies to take our game forward.”
Mendonca concluded by encouraging the team, players and administrators to continue supporting GT&T and their services so that they can continue to contribute to sports and other areas of concern.
