Coach Gordon confident of First Citizens repeat

Coach of defending First Citizens Cup champions Defence Force Marvin Gordon is confident in his team’s chances of lifting the title again, after looking at his team’s draw in this year’s competition, which kicks off next week.

Over $100,000 will be shared among the top four teams with the winners earning $60,000, the runners-up getting $40,000, third place copping $15,000 and fourth place walking away with $10,000. Numerous individual awards can be won at the end of the tournament with the MVP, leading goalscorer and coach of the tournament all winning $1,000 each. The most outstanding forward, most outstanding midfielder, most outstanding defender, most outstanding goalkeeper, best media coverage and the best photograph will all earn $500.

Yesterday, at the tournament launch, held at the First Citizens Corporate Headquarters at Queen’s Park East, Port of Spain, Gordon said he believes the tournament will be challenging but says they have a favourable draw.

“(It will be) a difficult one because all the teams in the league prepare well. I think anybody could beat anybody on any given day. I think watching the side of the draw that we are on playing Jabloteh in the quarter-finals, (then) meeting the (winners) of the Caledonia-Club Sando match I think we could go back to the final and defend this title,” Gordon said.

Gordon says his team has a balanced team of youth and experience and the unit is performing at a high level of late. “(We will give) everything. I think the mood in the camp is great. We have been on a good run (in the) last couple of games, we have not lost for the last three (or) four games.

I think the mood with the youngsters and the experienced players blending together (is great and) I think we are now starting to come to the top. I think the mood by me is great and the guys understand what is at stake with the FCB Cup.”

Dexter Skeene, CEO of the TT Pro League, thanked First Citizens for its dedication to the competition. “It is an occasion that the TT Pro League acknowledges with significant gratitude and appreciation. Not only for the fact that First Citizens our most dedicated, loyal and committed partner, but because they are one of my role models...unwavering commitment to the development of Trinidad and Tobago are engraved in the DNA of First Citizens.”

Jason Julien, deputy CEO business generation at First Citizens spoke about the company’s support of TT football.

“In terms of the Pro League that investment is not just about writing a cheque...we feel a part of the Pro League for many years because we truly believe in the development of Trinidad and Tobago football.”

FIRST CITIZENS CUP FIXTURES

Qualifier Round (Wednesday): Central FC vs MIC-IT St Ann’s Rangers; Police FC vs Point Fortin Civic.

Quarter-final Round (October 13/14): North East Stars vs Police/Point Fortin Civic = A; W Connection vs Central FC/MIC-IT St Ann’s Rangers = B; Club Sando vs Morvant-Caledonia United = C; Defence Force vs San Juan Jabloteh = D;

Semi-finals (October 20): A vs D = M; B vs C = N.

Final (November 3)