After about 11 years in the wilderness, Guyana’s premier knockout football championship, Kashif and Shanghai is set to make a grand return from December 13, 2026 in the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden.
Sixteen of the best first division clubs in the country will battle in the invitational tournament, which would be played at two international stadiums outfitted with the requisite lights and other amenities- the Bayroc and Mackenzie Stadiums.
Being held under the theme, ‘Destination Linden/Football means Business’, the main principals of the organisation, Co-Directors Kashif Muhammad and Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major last weekend hosted the media at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, along with representatives of the eight clubs outside of the host Association, Upper Demerara.
Muhammad who gave the attendees a brief on the history of the tournament and how it all started way back in 1989, and the clubs that will be participating.
From the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) the clubs are Capitol FC, Topp XX, Eagles United, Milerock FC, PDEY Stars, Botofago FC, Aroima United and Winners Connection.
From Georgetown the invited clubs are Rhythm Squad, Beacons FC, and Pele FC, while West Demerara Football Association (Pouderoyen FC), East Bank Football Association (Timehri United), East Demerara Football Association (Buxton Stars), Berbice Football Association (Cougars), and Bartica Football Association (Riversview) are the other teams.
Each club would be receiving support for their preparation to the tune of G$150,000, but those who were tardy in not attending Saturday’s launch would not be enjoying the full amount.
Muhammad was clear in stating that the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation MS., has enjoyed a long history of setting a high standard and timeliness was part and parcel of that legacy.
“We will not tolerate any club not adhering to being on time. We have always prided ourselves on upholding high standards and this has contributed to our success over the years. As we are about to restart this much looked forward to championship, our high standards remain the same and we will not compromise in this regard.”
Muhammad also shared that they held a interaction with businesses in Linden and shared with them what the organisation is looking forward to in terms of high standards in every industry from hotels to restaurants, barbershops, saloons, vendors, taxi drivers and everyone who has a service to offer the thousands expected to visit the Bauxite Mining town for what will be a memorable December.
Each team would be allowed to play three guest players who must also be division one players here in Guyana or overseas, if clubs are so inclined to shop.
The winning team on January 1, 2027, would be receiving G$3 million, and the losing finalist G$1.5-million.
Winner of the third-place match would pocket G$1 million with the fourth placed team to earn G$500,000. The tournament MVP will ride away with a brand-new motorcycle, while the Highest Goal Scorer will be G$500,000 richer.
Meanwhile, fans and patrons can also look forward to a number of other events apart from the on-field action including a fitness walk set for Sunday December 27 from 06:00h (route to be confirmed), the same date an event dubbed Pan, Soca and Flavours will take place at the Mackenzie Stadium Tarmac in the evening while a Tour of Linden to historical sites is slated for Wednesday December 30.
The night of the final, January 1, 2027, there will be an after-football show at the Bayroc Stadium Tarmac.
The Mackenzie Stadium will host the opening match day on December 13 and subsequent playing days on December 20, Christmas Day (December 25) and December 29. Bayroc Stadium will host matches on December 18, 22, Boxing Day (December 26), and the final.
The team brief and fixtures draw would take place on November 20, 2026.
Source: NEW ROOMS SITE
