In the first of a series of media awards, Sports Journalists met today at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), where they deliberated and named the ‘Media XI’ of the STAG Elite League.
Representatives from the various media houses in Guyana analysed the impact each of the players selected had on their team’s standing in the league and also their individual performance.
Pele FC striker Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson who has inspired his team to become one of the success stories of the league was named as one of the four ‘up front’ players.
With Richardson leading their attack, scoring four goals from their four games played so far, Pele FC is behind Alpha United on the points standing in second place.
Though having one of the best teams in the league, Slingerz FC have only manage to pick up one win (3 – 0 against Monedderlust) in the league. They are however, undefeated owing such to excellent work done by their defence and goalkeeper.
The media felt that St Vincent and the Grenadines national goalkeeper Winslow McDowall is the best custodian in the league, while his brother, Jolanshoy McDowall and Colin Nelson are among the best defenders.
Alpha United’s Sherwin Skeete and Trevon Lythcott of Fruta Conquerors rounded off the top four defenders chosen by the media.
In the midfield, Slingerz FC’s magician Vurlon Mills and Eusi Phillips of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were voted-in while another soldier, (striker) Delroy Fraser made the list.
Dwain Jacobs (Slingerz FC) and Alpha United’s Grenadian striker Kithson Bane closed off the best eleven of the STAG Elite League, chosen by the media after three weeks of competition.
Meanwhile, gaining honourable mention are Kevin Layne Jr (Monedderlust), Shad Fernandes (GFC), Daniel Wilson (Alpha United), Quincy Madramootoo (Alpha United), Eon Alleyne (Fruta Conquerors), Dorville Stewart (Alpha United), Deon Alfred (Pele FC) and Kurd Johnson (GFC).
As it relates to who the media thought was the best coach in the league thus far, Pele FC’s Justin Bentinck got the nod over Slingerz FC’s Joseph ‘Bill’ Wilson and Wayne Dover (Alpha United).
The media argued that both Wilson and Dover, based on the talented players on their roster, should find success in the league, while Bentinck has to be able to have his players play with Richardson.
It was said that Pele FC isn’t the most talented team in the league, more so among the top four, but with Bentinck’s ability to formulate plays and playing off the strength of his star player, gives him the advantage (so far) over the other coaches mentioned.
STAG ELITE LEAGUE MEDIA XI: Winslow McDowall (Slingerz FC GK), Jolanshoy McDowall (Slingerz FC), Dwain Jacobs (Slingerz FC), Vurlon Mills (Slingerz FC), Colin Nelson (Slingerz FC), Trevon Lythcott (Fruta Conquerors), Delroy Fraser (GDF), Eusi Phillips (GDF), Sherwin Skeete (Alpha United), Kithson Bain (Alpha United) and Gregory Richardson (Pele FC).
Coach: Justin Bentinck
Honourable mention: Kevin Layne Jr (Monedderlust), Shad Fernandes (GFC), Daniel Wilson (Alpha United), Quincy Madramootoo (Alpha United), Eon Alleyne (Fruta Conquerors), Dorville Stewart (Alpha United), Deon Alfred (Pele FC) and Kurd Johnson (GFC).