The Lynk Cup knockout competition officially entered what has been dubbed as the ‘Final 8’ with a launch event at Tac Bar in Kingston.

The competition is the first national knockout cup to be played in more than a decade since the Federation Cup was last contested. Twenty-four clubs, drawn from the JPL and the Tier II, competed in the first two rounds of competition which began in March.

Eight teams remain in the competition and will square off in do-or-die clashes from April 5 to May 26 as they seek to be crowned Jamaica’s all-island knockout champion. The winning team will be awarded a cash prize total of JM$1.65 million, paid through Lynk. Runners-up will get $1,450,000 and third place $1,050,000.

New elements will be introduced to the final rounds of competition as title sponsor, Lynk, announced that it will not only enable digital payments using its mobile app at the ticket gateways, but also drive competition on the field by awarding players money for each goal scored throughout the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals.

This money will be instantly awarded to players through their Lynk digital wallets at the end of each match, so they can easily pay for goods and services like utility bills, food, clothes, or other items through Lynk’s expanding merchant network, transfer to any local bank, or cash out through NCB ABMs.

“Lynk has revitalised the football space by partnering for this knockout competition. In addition to creating a competition that will entice and encourage players to give it their all on the field, they have improved the fan experience with their convenient Scan to Pay option.”, said Raymond Anderson, JFF Vice President.

The event, which was met with an overwhelming turnout, underscores Lynk’s commitment to a ubiquitous digital solution for all Jamaicans.

“Just as we continue to launch new features in Lynk, like receiving money from abroad through the app, we’re innovating to create new experiences for football players and fans. The appeal of the competition is driven by its speed and excitement so, as a sponsor, we are looking to match that with quick ways for players to earn real money,” explained Kemoi Burke, Brand and Sponsorship Manager of Lynk.

Burke continued by explaining how Lynk fits into everyday life as users can receive a remittance, top up their phone to call their phones, and then meet friends at the Lynk Cup matches and pay for tickets and food and beverages all from their phones with the app.

Wednesday’s (April 5) launch saw the announcement of the 8-qualifying quarter-final teams and a preview of the upcoming head-to-head matchups. Teams include Cavalier FC, Chapleton Maroons FC, Dunbeholden FC, Harbour View FC, Molynes United FC, Mount Pleasant Football Academy, Portmore United and Tivoli Gardens FC.

Speaking on Lynk’s sponsorship of the Lynk Cup, Owen Hill, CEO of Profession Football Jamaica Ltd (PFJL), had this to say “In order to improve the way we market football across the region, we need to examine how we operate as a business and innovate for the fan-base of individuals from the various communities we serve.”

He continued: “This is the unique difference that we have found with Lynk, as a technology company focused on bridging the gap between the banked and unbanked. They have created a platform that our core fan base and players can embrace both at the stadiums and in their personal life when they want to top up, collect remittances and pay bills.”

The teams were also present at the launch event, with Portmore United’s Alex Marshall expressing his anticipation for the final rounds and the opportunity to earn in the Lynk Goal Rush challenge.

This week’s lineup for the quarterfinals includes Tivoli Gardens FC vs Dunbeholden FC, followed by Portmore United FC vs Molynes United FC at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on April 12. On April 13, Cavalier SC will take on Mount Pleasant FA and then Harbour View FC will face off against Chapelton Maroons FC at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.  

Match times are 4pm and 7pm.