Grigamandala & Sagitun vie for title on Sunday

It is the culmination of a long and grueling season and when it ends before dusk on Sunday, there will only be one champion. Janelle Chanona previews the final duel between Sagitun and Grigamandala.

By all accounts, this football season has had more than its fair share of ups and downs. The national team found itself in a losing streak and at odds with head coach Manuel Bilches. Then there was the virtual civil war that broke out between the Belize National Football Association and the National Sports Council. But now it’s time to let the good times roll, as once again, high quality football takes the field in search of the Regent Millennium Cup.

The two teams Sagitun and Grigamandala are both practicing their version of the victory dance, each of them anticipating a big win. Both these teams are packing heat with every player in his prime and a strategy for every minute of the game. Each team has its own strength: one plays the long ball, liking the kick and run move while the other sticks to checkered ball, preferring the pass. Sagitun’s got the technical stuff down but Griga has plenty of brawn. It will take both factors to win on Sunday.

Fresh off the 2-nil victory last weekend, owner of the Sagitun club, Tony Zabaneh, says his boys are more than ready.

Tony Zabaneh, Owner Sagitun

“We’re looking for the win, we’re not going in there with a half-spirit, and not wanting to win. We want this game, we’re looking forward to it. We should win. There is no reason why we shouldn’t win and on a whole yes, I think the boys are ready and are mentally and physically fit to win this game.”

As for the Grigamandala crew, their loss in Independence hasn’t affected their morale.

Frank Hale, Manager, Grigamandala

“Morale of our players I’d say, is the best I’ve ever seen. I’ve had a few conversations already today and that’s the big question that people want to know. I think we’ve got a little bit of an edge back that we felt we had lost. We’ve had more time together and there is nothing like a final championship game that you have to win. Last week remember, we didn’t have to win, to get people’s attention, people’s focus.”

And as both teams step up to defend themselves, focus shifts to the MCC Grounds. The Belize Football League is undertaking major renovations in preparation for the game. Anthony Michael, Assistant Commissioner of the BFL, says any concerns about the turf should be rolled away by this afternoon and Belizeans looking to be a part of the action will enjoy comfortable and safe surroundings.

Anthony Michael, Assistant Commissioner, BFL

“We are having very good support from the National Sports Council. The BNFA is looking to help us with new nets. The Sports Council is strengthening the playing fence around the perimeter of the field, presently going on and they are also securing the seating facilities within the stadium. So families could come out on Sunday and they will have nice bleachers and a safe area to look at the game.”

After any big sporting event, there are almost always cries of foul plays and fixed refs. Michael promises this game will be different.

Anthony Michael

“The officials that will be officiating the games are the 4 best within the country. We have asked for that and I think both teams and coaches and managers are comfortable with the officials that will be officiating the game on Sunday. Personally, I don’t think that after the game we will hear any talks from within the camp that the game was unfair and things like that. Certainly, I will be the Commissar for that game and certainly I will be looking at stuff like that, but I don’t expect that to happen. I think we have matured tremendously this year, when it comes to both officiating and managing of this league.”

Both teams say they won’t be coming up with any excuses after the game but will be importing more than a few fans. That seems like a good idea especially since home field advantage has worked well for the two of them.

Frank Hale

“Both teams have shown all season, a real strong home field advantage, and that certainly has been part of our strength. But you can’t win just at home, and make it as far as we have. We have 2 championship teams, and both teams have won a lot of games on the road. I look forward to a neutral turf because I think it eliminates some of the other factors and it really allows the game to focus in on what the players do on the field and not so much the interaction they have. We’re sure we are going to have a big crowd here, and we are going to be excited, but it won’t be that partisan atmosphere that we sometimes had in the past.”

Janelle Chanona

“So the whole of Independence coming down for the game or what?”

Tony Zabaneh

“I think we will be bringing about 6 buses, yes. All our people are behind our team, have always been behind it, and I think that is what gives Sagitun the edge over Grigamandala. Not that Grigamandala doesn’t have fans themselves, but I think we have more fans that are with our team, from our team, from our village. And I think it is more than satisfying to know that a little village like Independence have stepped forward in the international football, have gone abroad, have come back home and is not playing for the coveted title of being the national champions of the country.”

Janelle Chanona

“These bleachers might be empty right now but come Sunday, organizers expect more than 4,000 football fans will pack themselves into the MCC Grounds to watch the game that will no doubt, go down in history and produce more than a few heroes. Reporting for News Five, from the MCC Grounds, I am Janelle Chanona.”

If you can’t make it to MCC, you can watch the delayed broadcast of the big game right here on Channel Five at 9:00 on Sunday night.

Channel 5 is looking for a reporter to join the staff of one of the region’s most highly honoured television news organizations.

Please bring a resume with two letters of recommendation to 17 Regent Street, Belize City or via email to gbtv@btl.net