GFF President urges players to inculcate sound planning ethics towards success
Amidst a pleasant atmosphere of cordiality and mutual respect, local footballers and other affiliates of the fraternity were honoured for their sterling contributions to the sport over the past year when the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) hosted a Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony at the Roraima Duke Lodge, Saturday evening last.
GFF president Colin Klass (right) presents the championship trophy for the Super League to Kelvin McKenzie.
Several affiliates including referees, sponsors and past players among others received commendations for their contribution to the sport.
The function was attended by top dignitaries including the ambassador of Mexico who was accompanied by his wife.
President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Mr. Colin Klass delivered the welcome remarks early in the night and then returned later in the programme to give a brief overview of the activities for the current year.
He acknowledged the contributions of the various players while pointing out that they, as well as the administrators, have a lot to be thankful for. The GFF boss also acknowledged the input of corporate Guyana as well as those of the ruling football body, FIFA. He further advised the players that amidst the many successes enjoyed over the year, planning, an extremely crucial variable was instrumental in the many successes enjoyed during last year.
“The executives of the GFF recognize the importance of planning and over the year we had planned our itinerary well,” he told the gathering. The GFF boss further urged the players to emulate their executives for all engagements since nothing beats good preparation. “If you wish to succeed you must prepare well,” he reiterated.
General Secretary of the GFF, Noel Adonis then gave a brief review of the activities for the preceding year. He pointed out that the naysayer had already painted a picture of gloom for the GFF but thanks to the determination and perseverance of executives 2009 turned out to be an excellent year for the sport.
“We started last year with a financial deficit but the determination and savvy of executives managed to change the fortunes to the extent that the year was rated among the best in recent times,” said Mr. Adonis. The General Secretary said that among some of the achievements of his organization was the successful staging of the inaugural female football tournament. He also pointed out that despite the many criticisms leveled at GFF executives they still managed to run off the National Super League football tournament.
Administrator of that tournament, Mr. Kirk Douglas admitted that when he was asked to oversee the tournament he dismissed the task as simple. He further said that only upon commencing the task that he realized the level of commitment needed to succeed. He feels that the tournament contributed immensely to the local football as well as the building capacity of the clubs.
The past football stalwarts that received commendations for their contributions to the sport included Winston Callendar, Robert Fernandes, Godfrey ‘Goddo’ Norville and Michael Pierre.
Referee, Stanley Lancaster was voted ‘referee of the year’ while Odessa Caleb received the prize for the most improved female assistant. Bartician, Roland Persaud copped the award for the most improved male referee. The male assistant referee of the year went to Deon Inniss while his opposite number, Nykasie Liverpool received the female assistant referee of the year. Other awardees include Rollin Tappin, Venton Marques, Mark Young, Joel Weekes and Abdul Hamid.
Alpha FC won the Super League and Kelvin McKenzie collected the Lien and championship trophies at the function.
