It is expected that the ceremony will be attended by Guyana Football Federation (GFF) president Colin Klass, patron of the GFL Odinga Lumumba and a representative of the sponsor, Banks DIH Limited. A march-past of the 20 participating clubs will be followed by a double-header.

In the first game a Georgetown Under-21 All Star line-up will take on their counterparts from Linden while the feature attraction is a grudge match between the senior teams of the sub-associations.

The Linden Seniors, still smarting from the last two meetings, must think it’s time to turn the tables on their city rivals. The mining lads were on the receiving end in both clashes, going down at the launching of the Upper Demerara season in July and at the Kashif and Shanghai opening in December.

The actual League play gets under way next Friday with action in the Premier division, while the first division kicks off the following Wednesday.

According to GFL president Christopher Matthias, who visited Chronicle Sport along with GFL vice-president (Administration) Tommy Orderson and Public Relations Officer Paul December, Sunday’s opening ceremony will see the Best Uniformed team collect a trophy and $25 000. A gate prize of one microwave oven will also be presented to a lucky spectator.

Admission to the ground is $400 but children under the age of 15 will be admitted free.

The admission of under-15 children free is all part of GFL’s plans to make football more family-oriented. This is according to December, who also said that there would be adequate security for all matches in the competition.

Eight teams will compete for a first prize of $750 000 in the Premier League, while the 12 of the first division battle each other for $500 000, with prizes also going to outstanding coaches and players in both leagues.

The coach whose team wins the Premier League will be awarded US$150 along with a trophy and a trip for two to the world famous Kaieteur Falls, while in the First Division the winning coach collects US$100, a trophy and a trip for two to Lake Mainstay Resort.

The best footballer in the Premier League will receive US$50, a pair of boots, shin pads and a trophy, while his counterpart in the First Division collects US$25, a pair of boots, shin pads and a trophy.

The Premier League, which cost some $4.5 million to run, will be contested among Santos, Georgetown Football Club, Pele, Thomas United, Fruta Conquerors, Camptown, Western Tigers and Beacons.

On the other hand the First Division, which cost $1.8 million, features Flamingo, GDF, University of Guyana, Police, Alpha United, Dairy Bar Charlestown United, Media United, Charlestown International, Newtown Pacers, Northern Rangers, Black Pearl and Lions United.