FIRST CITIZENS has injected a sum of $350,000 towards the staging of the First Citizens Cup, which will begin tomorrow with quarter-final double-headers at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo and the Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella, from 6 pm.
The semi-finals will take place on September 28 at the Mucurapo venue while the Manny Ramjohn Stadium will be the scene for the final on October 5. The 2012 tournament was launched yesterday at the First Citizens Corporate Box, Queen’s Park Oval, Woodbrook and Warren Sookdar, Chief Information Officer of the Bank’s ICT Unit, made the cheque presentation to TT Pro League Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dexter Skeene.
The winners will be guaranteed a jackpot of $80,000 while the runners-up will collect $20,000.
The Leading Goalscorer as well as the Most Valuable Player will each receive $1,000, while the Most Valuable Player per match will get $500. The supporters will not be left behind, as the Dash For Cash contest will see the winner (per game) entitled to $500 while the winner (in the final) will walk away with $1,000.
Tomorrow, North East Stars versus St Ann’s Rangers and TTEC versus 2011 winners Caledonia AIA will be the games carded for Mucurapo while, at Marabella, W Connection will tackle Police and Defence Force will face newcomers Central FC.
Skeene noted this year will mark the 14th edition of this competition, with First Citizens taking over sponsorship in 2001.
“I am delighted that First Citizens, one of the premier financial services group in Trinidad and Tobago, and the best-rated indigenous financial institutions in the English-speaking Caribbean, continues to be our partner and title sponsor of the premier club knock-out competition in TT and, more so, they have agreed to continue their association with us.”
The former TT footballer continued, “but, more than just the Cup or the competition, it is an act of faith whereby First Citizens is saying that (their) vision, mission, corporate image and attributes and the TT Pro League’s values align, and as such (they) are willing to associate (their) brand with the TT Pro League.”
Skeene went on to state, “our association with First Citizens demands that we strive for excellence always. It demands that we continue to go the extra mile towards making the TT Pro League and the clubs viable and sustainable.
“Cup competitions bring out the best in us,” he added. “It is rivetting, exhilarating, unpredictable and entertaining, all the ingredients necessary to draw and attract a large audience, which we look forward to with great anticipation.
“Good luck to all the teams as we embark on our first knock-out competition for this season.”
Sookdar, in his address, commented, “this 11-year partnership has promoted the development of raw talent and as the only truly local bank, we are committed to enhancing our youth through their development in education and sport.”
He continued, “I must commend the TT Pro League for their efforts in finding innovative ways to improve football and for grooming our youth, not just into professional athletes, but well- rounded individuals.
“To all the clubs, your efforts also do not go unnoticed,” he added. “We recognise the hard work that you continue to put out in preparing these athletes to vie for the ultimate title.”
By JOEL BAILEY
Source: www.newsday.co.tt