Invitational team South East Castries emerged champions of the 2008 Blackheart/Kashif and Shanghai playoff tournament finals, played Sunday afternoon at Mindoo Phillip Park.In the final, South East Castries registered a convincing 4-1 win over Vieux Fort North. The winning side got two goals from Arnold Palsade in the 6th and 77th minute with single markers going to Cletus "Zico" in the third minute and Decarious Simon in the 75th minute.

Vieux Fort North’s lone goal came from Sheldon "Ras" Emmanuel from the penalty spot in the 20th minute. South East Castries led 2-1 at half time. The victory earned them the final automatic spot in the 2008 Blackheart/Kashif and Shanghai knockout football tournament.

It was not all lost for Vieux Fort North. At the end of the game, tournament organizers announced that Vieux Fort North will also take part in the Blackheart/Kashif and Shanghai tournament. They will replace the Guyanese team, Alpha United, who were originally scheduled to participate, however, they informed organizers they are unable to take part.

Roseau Valley has now become the standby team for the tournament having a better won/loss record over two matches in the playoffs than Babonneau and Desruisseaux. Both Babonneau and Desruisseaux lost both matches they played while Roseau Valley posted a 1-1 won-loss record in two matches played.

In a friendly match before the playoff, Mabouya Valley got past defending Blackheart champions, Dennery 3-1. Goals for the winning side came from Camian Hamson, Hanif Dolor and Pelton Marcellin. Dennery’s lone goal from Levi Gilbert from the penalty spot. He missed on another penalty shot later in the game. Meanwhile, teams continued their preparation for the tournament with a number of warm-up games. Saturday at the Phillip Marcellin Grounds, Veux Fort South defeated Mon Repos 1-0 on a goal by Thurston Nestor Joseph.

Sunday morning in Laborie, the home team came through with a 3-1 win over Micoud.Another promotional activity also took place in Canaries over the weekend. In the first encounter, Anse La Raye defeated South Castries 2-1. Amos Auguste and Junior Robinson were the goal scorers for Anse La Raye.Nigel Joseph was the lone marksman for South Castries who at one point in the game led 1-0.

In the second match, host Canaries and Gros Islet played to a 1-1 tie. Chris Alexander put Canaries ahead but Smith Bruno equalized for Gros Islet. Teams are expected to continue warm-up games this week and next week with the final promotional activity set for Monday, May 12 at the Vigie Playing Field. On that day, there will be a tournament briefing and release of fixtures.