By Delwin Neblett | HGP Nightly News |
As Guyana celebrates its 56th Republic Anniversary month, the sporting calendar is packed with elite-level football, international squash events, and the pursuit of CARIFTA Games qualification. Here is your weekend sports update.
Football: GFF Elite League Cup Kicks Off in Providence
The wait is over for local football fans as the 2026 Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League Cup officially commences tonight at the National Training Centre in Providence.
Saturday Night Double-Header:
- Match 1 (18:30hrs): A heavy-duty clash between the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC and Fruta Conquerors FC. The GDF side enters the tournament as the favorites following their dominant run last season.
- Match 2 (20:30hrs): The Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC takes on Den Amstel FC. All eyes will be on the GPF squad to see how their off-season tactical adjustments translate on the pitch.
Squash: Trio Set for South American Championships
Guyana’s squash prowess moves to the continental stage as three rising stars depart for Paraguay to compete in the Junior South American Squash Championships from February 16–21.
- Under-15: Brothers Ethan and Egan Bulkan will lead the charge in the younger category.
- Under-17: Emily Fung-A-Fatt will compete in the highly competitive U-17 division.
- Mixed Doubles: In a strategic pairing, 14-year-old Egan and 15-year-old Emily will team up for the Under-19 Mixed Doubles category, testing their skills against older, more experienced regional opponents.
Cricket: DCB Unveils U-16 Inter-County Squad
The Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) has finalized its 15-man squad for the upcoming Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Inter-County Tournament, scheduled for February 16–21.
- The Leadership: National U-15 standout Lomar Seecharran will captain the side, with talented all-rounder Makai Dowlin serving as vice-captain.
- Key Players: The squad features a deep bench of talent including Nathan Bishop, Prosper Jacobus, and Afraz Khan. Six standby players have also been placed on high alert in case of injuries during the intense week-long tournament.
Cycling: LFS Burnham Memorial Road Race
Tomorrow morning, Georgetown’s roadways will belong to the nation’s elite cyclists for the annual LFS Burnham Memorial Cycle Road Race.
- The Route: Riders will start at JB Singh Road (near GDF Headquarters) at 7:00hrs, race up the East Coast Demerara to Belfield, and sprint to the finish line at Liliendaal.
- The Stakes: This race is a key indicator of early-season form for Guyana’s top-ranked cyclists as they eye regional tours later this year.
Athletics: CARIFTA Trials Heading to Linden
The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) is heading to the “Mining Town” for the second round of the 2026 CARIFTA Games Trials. The event will be hosted at the Bayaroc National Stadium in Linden on Saturday.
- Collaborative Effort: The trials are being held in partnership with the Christianburg Wismar Secondary and Upper Demerara track clubs.
- Entry Details: Action starts at 11:00hrs. Admission is $300 for children and $500 for adults. Athletes are aiming to meet the strict qualifying standards for the CARIFTA Games, which remain the premier youth athletics event in the Caribbean.
