Prime Minister’s Cup kicks off with high expectations

The Prime Minister’s Cup got off to a strong start on Monday, with organisers declaring the stage set for another successful edition of the island’s most lucrative football competition.

Two matches were played at the Friendship Playing Field on opening night, with organising committee chairman Omari Eastmond praising the condition of the facility and the preparations put in place for the tournament.

“The teams are here, the security is in place and the pasture is immaculate. We are just waiting for the fans to come and fill the place and then we will have some good football,” he said.

For the third edition of the competition, a female component has been added, which will also see participating teams battle for a first prize of $100 000.

Eastmond revealed that the preparations for the women’s competition, which will kick off next month, have been going smoothly. 

“We would have met with the women’s teams at least twice and they gave us feedback on what they prefer rather than what we suggested, so we were able to make compromises. Everything is ready to go for October 1, when the first game in that competition will kick off.”

Eastmond explained that the start date allows the ongoing Barbados Football Association’s Kotex Women’s League to conclude, so players can fully focus on the Prime Minister’s Cup.

He said the tournament plays a vital role in the development of new talent.

“It gives them a lot of exposure which was not there before and provides a lot of incentives as well for players to do well.”

He added, “You’re paid to play whether you play or not, whether you’re on the field of play or not and whether you make the team or not, you’re still given a stipend.

“You would recognise that in our first year our MVP was able to gain a contract. During our second year our MVP was able to gain a professional contract overseas as well and we’re hoping to continue that trend and double that number this year.”

Eastmond has a long term vision for the competition.

“I would eventually like to see the Prime Minister’s Cup with teams coming in to compete against Barbadian teams. We already have teams inquiring about how they can play and referees asking how to be a part of the tournament.

“We also have scouts coming in later on from the Round of 16 to assess the players and share best practices on how they should apply themselves.”

(KH)