Latest update March 29th, 2024 12:59 AM
Mar 17, 2012 Sports
Fans familiar with the sport are boldly predicting that the eagerly anticipated
showdown today between defending champions Young Achievers and GuySuCo Training School (GTS) for the GuyOil/Tradewind Tankers ‘True Champions’ Volleyball Tournament title will be a close and interesting affair and the champs will not have things as easy as many expect.
Young Achievers unquestionably is the top team in the country and this label has been with them for quite a few years during which time they’ve represented Guyana with distinction both at home and abroad and when they square off today against GTS they will have the opportunity to insert another piece of hardware to its mushrooming cupboard.
On the other hand, the well trained GuySuCo Training School (GTS) under the tutelage of former national player and Coach Levi Nedd has been producing some of the most talented players at the junior level and they will no doubt be aiming to depose the usually impregnable West Demerara side.
The Berbice-based side though largely made up of young, emerging players have in their line-up one of the best locally-based athlete to have ever played the game here in Seon Glasgow and despite being in the closing stages of a glittering career, every team on the opposite side knows what an asset he could be.
He is expected to be capably supported by two of the brightest prospects in the sport presently in Jared Jhingoree and the gangly Quacy Matheson and when you add the coaching experience of Nedd, Young Achievers must be put on alert not to take them too lightly. They are a dangerous bunch despite the lack of championship experience.
However, not much more could be said of the battle hardened Young Achievers unit which has shown overtime their resilience and calmness even under pressure which of course is a rarity.
This team is a total package, they never seem to panic and are never in a hurry, but more calculated in their execution than any other team and clearly has the poise and skills to retain the title.
How GTS handles the pressure that is sure to be exerted by a more experienced team is anybody’s guess, but with the combination of Glasgow and Nedd fans could be in for a treat today when finer skills and proficiency, the common traits of the Young Achievers come up against aspiration and youth.
Once again, Randy Adams is expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s pursuit to retain their crown, while players such as the lanky Cleveland Peters, who’ve shown marvelous shot blocking skills all through the competition, Christopher Ramsundar and setter Khemraj Singh will be summoned for usual support.
The third place playoff is anticipated to be equally explosive and even though the two teams Castrol Strikers and Port Mourant Jaguars will not be vying for the top prize, once again bragging rights will be at stake.
Strikers, a former powerhouse in the sport has fallen off the top of the grid, but word is that the team is currently in transition with the influx of quite a few new players and they showed that very soon they could once again be a real force to reckon with in the sport.
Currently they are a mixture of youth and experience with players such as Adolph Davis, Desta Hoppie and Ian Wills still very much a part of the setup, while Aswel Mohabir, who has returned to the fold after a lengthy hiatus and Captain Jamal Duncan are both essential in the scheme of things.
This encounter should be just as interesting as the championship battle and a large crowd is envisaged to see the real rebirth of the game on the recently installed Taraflex floor which is the internationally recognised foundation to play the sport on.
The Jaguars are a determined unit and could count themselves unfortunate not to reach the final after taking a two sets lead against GTS, before losing one of their key players due to an ankle injury.
They went downward after that and eventually conceded defeat to the younger side.
Julius Seunarine and Shivpersaud Motie Persaud are expected to spearhead their search for victory.
The 1st prize is $80,000 and a trophy, 2nd $40,000 and a trophy and 3rd$ 20,000.
Starting time is 14:00 hrs, at the National Gymnasium.
THIS IDIOT TELLING GUYANA WE HAVE NO SAY IN THE 50% PROFIT SHARING AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH EXXON.
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