With four more games to be played in League One of the T&T Super League, today’s key clash between FC Santa Rosa and Hydro Tech Guaya United from 3.30 pm at the Arima Velodrome could potentially determine the winner.
Ironically the teams will be led by childhood friends and colleagues Keith Look Loy and Ron La Forest, both of whom began representing T&T back in 1971.
Yesterday La Forest said he was setting aside the friendship for today’s mouth-watering clash.
“FC Santa Rosa is in the way of us claiming the title,” La Forest said.
“We are really looking forward to this match and claiming victory if we are to be rewarded for our hard work this season.”
Look Loy, on the other hand, outlined a number of benefits the match would have for his team and the league, describing it as a clash between the two best teams in the league.
“We can go into this game and play it safe, meaning playing for a draw, but we really want to win this game because we know it will almost guarantee us the title,” he said.
“This means we will be going all out to win the game, but it will be a difficult match for both teams.”
Look Loy said: “We are also expecting a very good crowd which will only augur well for the TT Super League.
“This is what the league needs and it will definitely be a good platform for the future.”
Also called The Big Cannons, the league’s defending champions are also motivated by the fact that they could be the only team to retain the Super League title in its 15 years of existence.
Santa Rosa, with 44 points at the top of the standings, leads their rivals Guaya (43) points by one, with third place Cunupia FC a distance behind on 33 points.
Look Loy’s men will also fancy their chances with the Siparia Spurs, fourth-from-bottom Police and the University of T&T their remaining games.
Guaya, who are now affectionately known as the ‘Green Army’ will finish their campaign with matches against WASA FC, Bethel United and the Defence Force.
Today’s fixture will also see the Spurs up against Queen’s Park at Palo Seco Recreation Ground at 3:30pm: Police taking on Bethel United at St James Barracks for 3:30pm: and WASA at home to Defence Force from 4.30 pm.
STANDINGS
Team P W D L GF GA GD PTS
1 FC Santa Rosa 18 14 2 2 45 10 35 44
2 Guaya United 18 13 4 1 51 16 35 43
3 Cunupia FC 18 10 3 5 34 25 9 33
4 Defence Force FC 18 9 3 6 38 25 13 30
5 UTT 18 9 2 7 32 31 1 29
6 QPCC 18 7 3 8 25 28 -3 24
7 Wasa FC 17 6 5 6 25 29 -4 23
8 1976 Phoenix FC 17 6 4 7 27 26 1 22
9 Police FC 18 5 4 9 21 37 -16 19
10 Club Sando Moruga 18 4 4 10 35 41 -6 16
11 Siparia Spurs 17 1 4 12 18 46 -28 9
12 Bethel United 17 1 3 13 12 49 -37 6