Diaz expects "competitive" Sweet Sixteen quarterfinals

DAVID SCARLETT

CO-FOUNDER of the Sweet Sixteen Football League, Yannick Diaz, is banging a drum of confidence ahead of the tournament’s quarterfinals set to take place this weekend in Sangre Grande.

The competition’s chief praised the execution of the league so far and believes that the bar can be raised in the latter stages.

In an interview with Newsday on Wednesday, Diaz stated, “The tournament has been very successful (so far), especially for the community. We have a high calibre of players in our competition including national players, Pro League players and players from the community who have the platform to play together and share an experience.”

“I believe that the league is the second highest-ranked league in the country behind the Ascension Tournament in terms of the prize money at stake, and the quality on the pitch – this is one of the toughest competitions there is.”

Diaz added, “The tournament also creates an income for the community by providing opportunities for food vendors and salesmen. The entire arrangement is a good initiative for all of Sangre Grande, and this was my vision since the first competition back in 2016.”

Ahead of this weekend’s quarterfinals, the Sweet Sixteen boss noted, “I expect a big crowd (depending on the weather), competitive football and competence from the officials. I know the quality on the field will be high because the teams that qualified for the ‘Big 8’ were solid in the group stages and are truly the best eight teams. No one can pinpoint one specific team as favourites to win the tournament and it is going to be tight from here on.”

The competition’s final eight teams are Dream Team, G Madrid, Mayaro United FC, Atletico FC, Manzan United, Cool It FC, Boystown Strikers and Wolfpack FC.

Cool It topped Group A with 18 points followed by G Madrid (17 points), Mayaro United (16 points) and Boystown Strikers (15 points).

Wolfpack FC finished top of the standings in Group B with 21 points. Atletico FC (17 points), Dream Team FC (16 points) and Manzan United (12 points) were second, third and fourth respectively.

Wolfpack’s Kevin Woodley finished the group stage as the top marksman with ten goals, while Dorian Robinson from Cool It FC scored nine. Devonte Felix (Dream Team) and Che Benny (Cool It) both trail the top two with eight goals as the hunt for the Golden Boot continues.

Dream Team and G Madrid will kick off this weekend’s proceedings on Friday at 7 pm. Following that fixture, Mayaro United will battle Atletico FC at 9 pm.

On Saturday, Boystown Strikers face Wolfpack FC at 7 pm and the contest between Manzan United and Cool It FC will complete the quarterfinal round.

All matches will be played at Ojoe Road Recreational Ground in Sangre Grande.

The semi-finals are carded for July 15 and 16, and the final is set for July 30.