Caledonia AIA begin the defence of the Lucozade Goal Shield trophy tomorrow when taking on St Ann’s Rangers in the opening match of a quarterfinal double-header, at the Marvin Lee Stadium in Macoya.
“We are defending champions and what we do in the competition is important,” stated Caledonia AIA coach Jerry Moe. “Rangers will not be an easy game...they are a very competitive team.”
The 2013 edition of the Goal Shield was launched yesterday at the VIP Lounge of the Hasely Crawford Stadium, in Port of Spain. One of four Pro League knockout competitions, the Goal Shield begins tomorrow with double-headers at Macoya and the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.
Sponsors Lucozade have pumped $80,000 into the competition, including a $20,000 first prize and $10,000 for the runners-up. There will also be cash prizes for goals scored—an incentive to produce attractive football and high-scoring matches. Each goal scored in the final will be worth $3,000 to the team scoring it, while semifinal and quarterfinal goals are valued at $2,000 and $1,000, respectively.
“The prize structure is designed to raise the level of the game and the performances,” stated Lucozade Sport (GlaxoSmithKline) marketing executive Lyndon Diaz, who also announced a special door prize of a trip to England. Diaz said last year’s winning fan had chosen to travel to England to see Chelsea play Manchester United.
“Last year we even had players wanting to pay to come in the venue so that they could have a chance to win the prize,” said Pro League administrative officer Julia Baptiste.
In his feature address, Pro League chief executive officer, Dexter Skeene urged players to work consistently on developing their God-given talent. The former national footballer also encouraged players to make believers of family, friends and the wider community.
“The Pro League is an idea whose time has come and is here to stay,” Skeene declared.
12:04:13, Caledonia AIA v St Ann’s Rangers, Marvin Lee Stadium
12:04:13, North East Stars v Central FC, Marvin Lee Stadium
12:04:13, T&TEC v Defence Force, Ato Boldon Stadium
12:04:13, W Connection v Police FC, Ato Boldon Stadium