By Shedrack Frank
The stage is set for the final of Bayelsa’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, christened the “Prosperity Cup” after months of football hostilities.
214 teams registered for the year’s edition and played games across 24 centres in the eight local government areas of Bayelsa.
In the final game, Crusader Feeders FC of Peretorugbene from Ekeremor Local Government Area will engage De Grace FC of Yenagoa on Sunday at the Samson Siasia Stadium by 3: 00 p.m.
Director General of the Prosperity Cup, Mr Ono Akpe, in a statement issued to newsmen, said Gov. Douye Diri would perform the kick-off, supported by the Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Abraham Ingobere, and others.
Also expected to grace the occasion are members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and State Executive Council, party chieftains, political appointees, newly appointed LG caretaker chairmen and some football legends.
Mr Akpe explained that in the women’s final, Golden Sun Sports Academy and Crystal Stars FC would take to the turf by 1: 00 p.m. at the Samson Siasia Stadium with other side attractions before the final.
The statement noted that the losers’ final in the women’s Prosperity Cup would come up on Saturday while the men’s third place encounter between Agbere FC of Sagbama and Dream Boys FC of Odi comes would hold at the same venue.
According to him, preparations are in top gear towards having an exciting final, urging youths of the state to continue to channel their energies to sports and other positive things that wou continue to boost the image of the state.
He thanked Gov. Diri, his Deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and the commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Chief Daniel Igali for their undiminished passion towards sports development.
He stressed that the tournament, in the last few months, had engaged the minds of youths positively.
To reach the final, Crusaders Feeders FC beat Agbere FC 2-1 in the semi finals while De Grace FC spanked Dream Boys FC of Odi 2-0.
