Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Sep 09, 2015 Sports
By Rawle Welch
With the prospects of playing for a lucrative first prize of $500,000, all four teams set to appear in tonight’s semi-finals of the GT Beer / Petra Organisation Futsal Competition need no further inducement to treat the fans to a dazzling display in what has become a very exciting format in the sport.
In the first semi-final, Bent Street and Festival City square off in what will definitely be a very explosive encounter that will set the tone for the grudge match between Sparta Boss and West Front Road ‘Gold is Money’.
However, before the two feature games, there will be two exhibition matches involving the Media versus the national cricket team and this encounter has all the hallmarks of a bragging rights affair, while the battle of the taxi services that brings together KC Cabs versus Green Ice could be viewed with similar inference.
Among those expected to appear for the national cricket team are Trevon Griffith and Christopher Barnwell Jr, while Esan Griffith, Duncan Saul, Rawle Welch, Edison Jefford, Orlando Charles and Adrian Narine will lead the pursuit for victory for the Media.
The Bent Street versus Festival City clash could be seem as a virtual final because these two teams have been the most consistent and efficient throughout the competition and while one will have to settle for the playoff for third place there is no doubt that the fans will be the real winners in this battle.
O’Kenie Fraser, who has clearly demonstrated how powerful and accurate his right-foot is will no doubt be the main threat for Bent Street, but with the likes of Colin Nelson, Daniel Wilson, Stellon David, Sheldon Profitt and Amos Ramsay in their lineup, the hope of Festival City having an easy time becomes virtually impossible.
David especially is highly skilled and has the ability to leave defenders confused with his dribbling capability. Nelson, too, possesses this talent and along with the raw power of Fraser it would be something special to see how Festival City cope with such a force.
On the other hand, Eon Alleyne, Solomon Austin and Dwayne Lawrence have been a thorn in the flesh of every opponent since the tournament commenced and this trend is expected to continue.
Alleyne and Lawrence are a lethal combination with the ability to merge pace, power and dribbling ability to their repertoire, while Austin, though not initially recognized for his underrated skill can unleash from long range with devastating power and accuracy.
It should be a cracking contest and one worth every cent paid.
We then come to the highly anticipated showdown between Sparta Boss and West Front Road and anyone that knows the rivalry that exists between these two teams will know how intense this encounter will be.
The previous encounters between the two have always been close and fiercely contested and with a place in the final up for grabs no quarters will be asked and none will be given.
The unavoidable absence of Sparta’s two key marksmen have made life difficult for them, but their key characteristic has seen them through in perilous times and that is their fighting instincts.
This is a team that never goes down without a fight and West Front Road unlike many others is well aware of this quality very well.
Team leader Denis Edwards has lead from the front with some timely goals, while what more could be asked of the experienced Travis Grant whose extra time goal is the reason why they are where they are.
The tireless Sheldon Shepherd has not been at his goal scoring best, but that is understandable since he is the marshal of their defence.
Who could forget Deon Alfred this player is special to watch and once he gets going there is no stopping him.
Perhaps, the most important player for West Front Road is Hubert Pedro, this roving master operates on both ends of the floor with consummate ease and he is the main threat in their lineup.
Randolph Wagner is one of the deadliest strikers in this format, his goals are countless, but Pedro’s calmness is what keeps the team settled.
Michael Oie is another player of immense quality and Sparta Boss will need to pay close attention to him, while Michael Pedro could prove to the unsung hero.
The two matches are cracking affairs and a must see for futsal fans.
Where is the BETTER MANAGEMENT/RENEGOTIATION OF THE OIL CONTRACTS you promised Jagdeo?
Apr 19, 2024
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