10 teams set for historic Women’s Prime Minister’s Cup

Ten teams have signed up for the inaugural Prime Minister’s Cup for Women, which will carry a first prize of $100 000.

The field was confirmed following an extension of the registration deadline last weekend, with all eight Barbados Football Association Kotex Women’s League teams entering the competition.

They are Paradise, Empire, RF Prime, Mavericks, Technique, Whitehall, FVFC Femeni and Police, who will be joined by Kickstart Rush Women and Weymouth Wales.

Omari Eastmond, chairman of the Prime Minister’s Cup Organising Committee, said organisers had hoped to attract 12 teams but now expect ten to be the maximum number of entries for the inaugural season.

The women’s competition mirrors the men’s Prime Minister’s Cup, now in its third year, with the men’s tournament set to begin in early September.

“There was another team that was interested in participating but could not field a full squad. What those persons have decided is that they would join one of the other existing teams and strengthen their squads for the competition,” Eastmond disclosed.

With the ongoing eight-team BFA Women’s League producing a number of lopsided results each week, football fans and pundits have raised concerns that the imbalance could be even more pronounced in the Prime Minister’s Cup.

Some have suggested that organisers consider a seeded player draft followed by a franchise-based competition to create a more even playing field.

Eastmond said the organisers are exploring their options.

“We would have met with the female teams and had some discussions. We have made note of all the suggestions and will meet as a committee to discuss the way forward.

“Once we have agreed on those suggestions and made a final decision, then I can come back to you with a further update,” Eastmond explained, while revealing that plans for the men’s competition are progressing smoothly.

“Twenty-one men’s teams have so far been confirmed, with the start date set to be September 7 at the Friendship Playing Field in St Michael. 

“Hopefully we will get the other three teams ready by next week and then we can do the draw, so each team can know the group they are in. The transfer window opened on August 10 and will close on August 19, so persons are free to swap between teams who will be participating,” Eastmond said.

He continued, “For those teams who have not been successful in being invited to the Prime Minister’s Cup, their players are also free to join a team in the cup until its completion.”

(KH)