Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Steven Jacobs last weekend challenged the business community in the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden to be prepared for what is about to unfold as he delivered feature remarks at the Linden cocktail launch of the 2026/2027 Kashif and Shanghai Football Tournament.
Held at Major’s Villa, Amelia’s Ward, Linden, on Saturday night last, the event saw dozens of business owners- large, medium and small- attending the first of its kind launch that was held under the theme, ‘Football Means Business.’
Minister Jacobs was joined by Co-Directors of the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation MS, Kashif Muhammad and Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major, Brother David Muhammad of Trinidad and Tobago, and First VP of the Upper Demerara Football Association, Olston Thorman, amongst other officials.
A successful businessman himself, Minister Jacobs underscored the importance of being well prepared for the thousands of fans, including overseas-based Guyanese, who will be coming back to a better developed Linden, thanks to the investment of the Government of Guyana, led by His Excellency, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali.
He posited that the tournament will create opportunities for hotels, airbnbs, restaurants, transportation providers, vendors, hair salons, barbershops, and other business.
“Importantly, Kashif and Shanghai returns at a time when Linden itself is undergoing significant transformation, with major investments in roads and other infrastructure, the new Wismar four-lane bridge, increased accommodation options and improved sporting facilities.”
The spiritual home of the tournament was the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground from its inception in 1989, for 18 years but will now return to a brand-new Mackenzie Stadium built to international standards.
Minister Jacobs pledged Government’s full support for the year-end tournament.
“Our government will give its full support to the return of this tournament and its continued growth. Beyond the economic impact, Kashif and Shanghai provides our young footballers with the competitive platform to showcase their talent, attract the attention of scouts and potentially open doors to greater opportunities.”
Speaking on behalf of the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, Co-Director Kashif Muhammad said that it’s a familiar sound returning to the streets of Linden, a shared excitement that will return to the to the communities and a cherished chapter of Linden’s history being opened once again.
“The success we envision cannot be delivered without you. Football will give people a reason to visit, your service will give them a reason to stay, and your excellence will give them a reason to return,” Muhammad noted in challenging the businessmen and women to step up and cash in on all the possibilities.
Also speaking on football and business was former Trinidad and Tobago Senior Men’s National Team Manager, David Muhammad who encouraged all to support the Kashif and Shanghai Tournament as it is a means to keep the youth on the right path given the many social challenges that exists in today’s society.
A total of 16 teams will be battling for glory with the finals set for January 1, 2027. The media launch is expected within a week’s time as the momentum builds for the return of this prestigious tournament.
The Mackenzie Stadium will host the opening match day on December 13 and subsequent playing days on December 20, December 25 and December 29. The Bayroc Stadium will host matches on December 18, 22 and 26, and the final on January 1.
Source: NEW ROOMS SITE
