Teams, fixtures and $8M prize purse to be unveiled Saturday for K&S tournament
By Rawle Toney
(Kaieteur News) – The countdown to the return of the Kashif and Shanghai Football Tournament to Linden will enter another important phase on Saturday, when the participating teams for the 2026/27 edition are officially announced at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Kashif and Shanghai Co-Director Kashif Muhammad confirmed to Kaieteur News yesterday that details surrounding the 16-team tournament will be unveiled at the event, including the fixtures, the breakdown of the total $8 million cash prize and other key aspects of the competition.
The tournament will run from December 13, 2026, to January 1, 2027, and will be played exclusively in Linden, with matches shared between the redesigned Mackenzie Sports Club and the Bayroc National Stadium.
Tournament Directors, Aubrey Major (L) and Kashif Muhammad
The opening match-day will take place on December 13 at the Mackenzie Sports Club, marking the return of the prestigious tournament to the venue where it was first staged in 1992. The facility will also host matches on December 20, 25 and 29.
Bayroc National Stadium will take centre stage on December 18, 22 and 26 before hosting the grand final on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2027.
The return of the tournament to Linden was officially announced at its launch last weekend under the theme, “Destination Linden, Football Means Business.”
For the first time since 2008, the championship final will be played in Linden, restoring the tournament’s decisive fixture to the community that has played such an important role in its history.
The revival is being viewed as more than a footballing occasion. Organisers and government officials have highlighted the potential economic benefits to Linden, with an influx of players, supporters, officials and visitors expected to generate increased activity for hotels, Airbnb operators, restaurants, transportation providers, vendors and other businesses.
Muhammad, meanwhile, confirmed that the tournament will retain its traditional First Division character this year, with only First Division clubs eligible to compete.
That means several high-profile teams, including former champions Slingerz FC, Camptown and Fruta Conquerors, will be absent after Elite League clubs were excluded from the 2026/27 edition.
The decision keeps the competition focused on First Division football and gives clubs and players at that level an opportunity to compete for one of the most coveted trophies in Guyana’s domestic football calendar.
Saturday’s announcement will therefore be closely watched, particularly with the identity of all 16 teams, the tournament draw and schedule expected to provide the first clear picture of the road to the January 1 final.
Source: Kaieteur News
