Tutbay FC is 2024 William Dawson Peace Cup Champion

Over twelve weeks of highly competitive football in the William Dawson Peace Cup came to an end on Sunday. Twelve teams, comprised of more than two hundred and fifty players and staff, started the tournament on January sixth. But there can only be one. After playing in six different venues over the course of the season, the final match was played inside the MCC Grounds. Tutbay Football Club took on Ceasar Ridge FC to see who will be crowned champions. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The William Dawson Peace Cup ended on Sunday with a match that was worthy of a championship game. Ceasar Ridge FC took on Tutbay FC in a match that ended in a penalty shootout. The game was played inside the MCC Grounds. The sounds of cultural drumming and singing filled the air to start the afternoon. Richard Mendoza secured the first goal of the game for Tutbay off a shot on target from outside the penalty box. Mendoza was in front of the goal to take advantage of the goalkeeper’s fumble. Seven minutes later, Tyrone Guy returned the favor for Ceasar Ridge from a fast break that led to a soft touch into the net directly in front the goal.

 

The game was tied at one apiece going into the second half. No goals were scored in the second half of the game, so the match went into extra time. In the second half of extra time, Tutbay once again finds the back of the net, this time with a great deal of skills and finesse on display. Determined to stay in the game, Ceasar Ridge came from behind with a bombshell drop kick from behind the penalty box that flew over the goalkeeper’s head and into the net. That goal took the game into penalty. Ceasar Ridge first penalty shot was good. Tut Bay also scored their first shot.

 

Both teams kept exchanging goals and they were tied at three goals each, when Tutbay’s goalkeeper stopped a penalty shot from Ceasar Ridge. With the championship on the line, Tutbay had the last penalty shot of the match. The ball went past the goalkeeper and into the net. Tutbay FC is your 2024 Williams Dawson Peace Cup Champions. A short ceremony was held after the match to recognize all the teams that participated in the tournament’s inaugural season.

 

Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Sports

“Today is a testament to show that as young people we can play in unity and harmony, and everybody cannot win. I want to congratulate Tutbay for being the champion and Ceasar Ridge for coming in second and all those who participate in the competition. As I was walking around the field most people come to me and say, look at the condition of the MCC field and I can assure you that by next year this time, MCC will be back to its glory days, we are going to make sure. I was able to convince Cabinet to set aside two million dollars to fix up facilities in the country. And, Belize City will be first and foremost.”

 

Douglas Hyde, Coordinator, William Dawson Peace Cup

“We had limited incidents and accidents but we lost one and so we must take that time to recognize, CJ, Charles James who was one of us. Big up CJ. This tournament was based on its purpose which is create peace, we did it. We create peace among players who now socialize better among each other. Every week, every month, we saw this tournament developing and growing better. Receiving an official letter from the FFB stating that twe are now recognize and sanctioned through the Belize District Football Association. This letter also commended the organizing committee for its hard work and dedication to this tournament and very importantly as stated, we will also allow the two representatives, your champions and sub-champions to be part of our National Amateur League Championship in 2024.”

 

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.