2024 SSFL Thread

[Flex]

SSFL arbitration rules in favour of Moruga, Miracle Ministries.
By Stephon Nicholas (T&T Newsday).

Moruga Secondary will remain champions of the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) south championship, after the SSFL arbitration committee found flaws in the decisions by the disciplinary committee and appeals committee to punish the school for registration breaches.

Moruga finished the SSFL 2023 season unbeaten and six points clear of Ste Madeleine Secondary, and had their sights set on the Big 5 competition with promotion in mind.

However, Moruga were later found guilty of submitting their player registration form without the signature of their principal and school stamp, and also fielding a player who was not registered 72 hours before a match. The school had faced relegation owing to the breaches.

In a media release on Sunday, the SSFL announced that its arbitration committee has quashed the previous decisions and urged the SSFL to review its registration practices as "internal deficiencies in this regard could bring the league into disrepute."

The committee noted that Moruga Secondary reported receipt of players’ IDs which may constitute valid registration for the season.

The committee said a help desk should be established as "schools have no official knowledge whether their registration is valid/invalid before the season/match and schools only know of an invalid registration, at some point during or after the season, when a protest is lodged.

"This is extremely unfair to the schools and has the potential to undermine the efforts of the SSFL to continue to provide its stakeholders with a reputable co-curricular sporting opportunity."

The committee noted that Moruga player Veron Gomez was not properly registered before playing a match against Point Fortin East Secondary, and the punishment for that breach stands.

Meanwhile, the committee also noted similar SSFL internal deficiencies with regard to Miracle Ministries Pentecostal High School, who topped the central zone.

The disciplinary and appeals committees had found that Miracle Ministries documents were "not an official document from the web page (SSFL) and copy of registration.”

The arbitration committee also took issue with the composition of the disciplinary committee, with members from the credential committee also functioning in dual capacity. "This situation can be viewed as a conflict of interest and makes the disciplinary committee’s report invalid."

The arbitration committee quashed the previous rulings and restored Miracle Ministries' points.

RELATED NEWS

SSFL says sorry to Miracle Ministries, Moruga, vows to fix registration system.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

The Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) has issued an apology for its registration faux pas which initially saw 2023 Central and South zone championship division winners Miracle Ministries Pentecostal High School and Moruga Secondary stripped of their zonal titles owing to alleged registration breaches.

On Sunday, the SSFL's arbitration committee of Theophilus Trim, Justin Latapy-George and former league president Anthony Creed, found the league's registration was faulty and overturned the original decisions of the SSFL's disciplinary and appeals committees to punish the Central and South zonal champions.

On Tuesday, through its general secretary Azaad Khan, the SSFL put up its hand for the furore via a press release.

"Following the decision by the SSFL Arbitration Committee to reinstate Miracle Ministries Pentecostal High School (MMPHS) and Moruga Secondary as Central zone and South zone championship division winners respectively, the SSFL hereby unreservedly apologises to all football stakeholders and supporters for the unfortunate events that occurred," the league's statement said.

Before the registration impasse, both Miracle Ministries and Moruga were due to participate in the SSFL Big 5 playoffs alongside the three other championship winners, Blanchisseuse Secondary (North), Signal Hill Secondary (Tobago) and St Augustine Secondary (East). The top three teams in the Big 5 tournament will be promoted to the 2024 SSFL premier division.

"The decision by our Arbitration Committee and the reactions of distress from the parties and supporters in recent days has given us time for further reflection and deep thought. It was never our intention to cause such distress.

"The SSFL understands fully that the system needs to be fixed. We must work together to find solutions which protect the future of the league. It is clear that the events that led to arbitration was a significant misstep and due diligence should have been of a much higher standard. We did not initially make the right decision here, which we fully accept."

After the conclusion of the championship division campaign in November, the league confirmed protests had been lodged against both Miracle Ministries and Moruga over their online registration. On November 21, the two schools met with the league's disciplinary committee and were found guilty of breaching the SSFL's registration rules, with Mourga penalised for submitting an incomplete registration form “without the principal’s signature and or the school stamp."

The disciplinary committee's verdict was upheld by the appeals committee on December 5, before the three-man arbitration committee emphatically reversed the SSFL's stance.

The league vowed not to repeat the mistake going forward.

It said its aim was "always to make the right decisions for this great league, to protect it for the future and to take us forward. The SSFL meantime, has taken progressive steps to address the matter so that such events do not happen again."

SSFL president Merere Gonzales told Newsday the league hopes to play at least two match days in the Big 5 tournament before Carnival (February 12 and 13). He said fixtures will be drafted this week.

Gonzales said the SSFL is also working towards playing the girls' Big 5 final before January comes to an end. Scarborough Secondary, 2022 girls' Big 5 champions, will contest Five Rivers Secondary in the belated 2023 final, which has been postponed on numerous occasions owing to faulty travel arrangements and a subsequent break for the Christmas period.

[Tallman]

SSFL girls' Big 5 final, boys' Big 5 playoffs kickoff on February 1
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

AFTER being reinstated as 2023 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) championship division winners for the Central and South zones, Miracle Ministries Pentecostal High School and Moruga Secondary will begin their quest for premier division promotion when the Big 5 playoffs commence on February 1.

Owing to a ruling by a three-man SSFL arbitration committee over the weekend, Miracle Ministries and Moruga regained their spots in the Big 5 playoffs after they were initially docked points and stripped of their championship crowns. The schools were deemed to have breached the league's registration rules, but their penalty was successfully overturned after arbitration.

On Tuesday morning, the SSFL issued an apology to "all football stakeholders and supporters for the unfortunate events that occurred" and admitted to a "significant misstep" in their own registration process.

The Big 5 schedule was subsequently released on Tuesday afternoon, with Miracle Ministries set to begin their campaign against North championship winners Blanchisseuse Secondary, and Moruga playing away to East winners St Augustine Secondary. Tobago championship division winners Signal Hill Secondary will be the other team contesting the playoff competition, which will see the top three schools qualifying for the 2024 premiership division season after round-robin action.

The playoffs will observe a two-week break for the Carnival season and will resume on February 15, with Signal Hill playing their first game in the competition when they journey to Moruga. The playoffs are set to conclude on February 24.

The SSFL also confirmed the girls' Big 5 final between defending champions Scarborough Secondary and Five Rivers Secondary will be played on February 1 in Black Rock, Tobago. Originally carded for November 15, the girls' Big 5 finale encountered a host of delays due to travel arrangements, conflicting intercol schedules and a break for the Christmas period.

[Tallman]

'Green Machine' move to SSFL Big 5 playoffs summit
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

St Augustine Secondary (four points) moved to the top of the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Big 5 championship division playoffs when they got a slender 1-0 win away to Blanchisseuse Secondary on Friday.

With three of the five teams in the Big 5 playoffs gaining promotion to the 2024 SSFL premier division season, there is little or no room for error in the short round-robin competition. St Augustine, who earned a 1-1 draw in their opening Big 5 game against South championship division winners Moruga Secondary on February 2, made their visit to Blanchisseuse count as Nkosi Fuentes sealed the three points with the lone goal of the match in the 65th minute.

St Augustine have a slim one-point lead in the standings ahead of Tobago championship division winners Signal Hill Secondary, who registered a 3-2 comeback win against Moruga in their first game of the playoffs on Friday.

Playing at the Moruga Secondary compound, the hosts took the lead against Signal Hill when Andell Maurice scored in the 25th minute. The visiting Tobago team did not back down, though, and they equalised just before the half through J'Meke Watkins. Signal Hill stormed out to a 3-1 lead in the second half, with Watkins doubling his tally and Jermaine Morgan finding the back of the net as well.

With five minutes of stoppage-time being played, Moruga tried to mount a miraculous comeback with a late goal from Diego Philip. However, the boys from Tobago came away from the South land with the precious three points.

Both Blanchisseuse and Moruga have collected one point after two matches. Central championship division winners Miracle Ministries Pentecostal high School, who were on a bye, also have the solitary point.

The Big 5 playoffs action continues on Tuesday when Signal Hill host Miracle Ministries and Blanchisseuse host Moruga Secondary. Table-toppers St Augustine will be on a bye.

SSFL Big 5 playoff standings:

Team*GP*W*D*L*GF*GA*GD*Pts

1.St Augustine*2*1*1*0*2*1*1*4

2.Signal Hill*1*1*0*0*3*2*1*3

3.Miracle Ministries*1*0*1*0*0*0*0*1

4.Moruga*2*0*1*1*3*4*-1*1

5.Blanchisseuse*2*0*1*1*0*1*-1*1

[Tallman]

‘Green Machine’ back in Premier Division
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)

A SECOND half header from Upper Six student Jamell Cooper earned the “Green Machine”, St Augustine Secondary, a hard-fought 1-0 home win over Tobago’s Signal Hill Secondary, moving them atop the Secondary Schools Football League Championship Division Big 5 promotion series with one round of matches to go.

“That means we are back up in the Premiership,” excited St Augustine head coach Tacuma Jones, stated following the victory.

St Augustine now have seven points from wins over North champions Blanchisseuse Secondary and Tobago Championship winners Signal Hill and also drew goalless with Central Zone winners Miracle Ministries Pentecostal High School. St Augustine complete their series against South champions Moruga Secondary, having already clinched one of the three promotion spots with yesterday’s win.

Signal Hill and Blanchisseuse both have four points with one match day left and are vying to fill the other two promotions spots, following the relegation of Pleasantville Secondary, Chaguanas North Secondary and Tobago’s Bishop’s High School from the Premier Division last season.

Yesterday’s match was close, both teams coming into the fixture unbeaten. It could have gone either way and it took Madison Lewis’ twice having to pull off one-on-one saves against striker Jermain Morgan and key midfielder J’Meke Watkin to keep the Tobagonians out. Towering central defender Ethan Friday also put a first-half header over, as Signal Hill delivered several dangerous corners.

“We were effective today,” Jones explained, “Signal Hill was pressing us. They had a good structure in terms of moving the ball. I had a lot of injuries, so we decided to get one goal and defend.”

The home team also had chances, with Nkosi Fuentes dipping a shot over from a dangerous wide-right position, and Cooper was also running clear before being pulled down by defender Jaquon Defour, who was lucky to get only a yellow card. But when the ball was played across the face of goal, Cooper was there first, beating Signal Hill goalkeeper Rondell Marcelle with a 53rd minute header.

“I know that my team needed me today, so, I said I will come and give my all and make sure and get at least one goal in the back of the net,” Cooper said. “We have worked really hard for this and we have not lost a home game since the season started.”

[Tallman]

Miracle Ministries shake off flu, target SSFL promotion
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

AFTER several of their players were sidelined by the flu last week, Central zone championship division winners Miracle Ministries Pentecostal High School are intent on booking their promotion to the 2024 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division season.

On February 24, Miracle Ministries' match away to Moruga Secondary in the SSFL Big 5 championship playoffs was postponed after ten players from the Central outfit came down with "flu-like symptoms."

The postponement of Miracle Ministries' clash with Moruga meant the SSFL had to push back the remaining rounds of the Big 5 competition.

Miracle Ministries will now make the trip to the bottom-placed Moruga (one point) on March 4, and their Big 5 campaign will conclude with an encounter against East zone championship division winners St Augustine Secondary (seven points) on March 8.

The "Green Machine" of St Augustine have already sealed promotion to the premier division, and Miracles Ministries coach Kern Cupid hopes his team can follow suit in the next few days.

Cupid, a former Trinidad and Tobago international defender, said his team would have loved the opportunity to play Moruga last Saturday, as the southerners were coming off back-to-back defeats against Signal Hill Secondary (3-1) and Blanchisseuse Secondary (5-2) respectively.

"To be honest, it's unfortunate we didn't play on Saturday, as we could have capitalised on Moruga's form. They would have been low on confidence," Cupid told Newsday.

Six of Miracle Ministries' regular starters were affected by the flu, but Cupid said his players are almost back to full strength. They were all expected to feature in the team's training session on Thursday.

In the Big 5 playoffs thus far, Miracle Ministries have played to consecutive goalless draws against Blanchisseuse and Signal Hill, and currently sit in fourth spot on the five-team table. With the top three teams gaining premier-division promotion, Cupid says his team knows victory in the next game is non-negotiable.

"They have a very good playing surface in Moruga and I think it will really suit our style of play," Cupid said. "We respect Moruga, but we need to go and get three points. We are aiming to get four-six points in the next two games."

Cupid lauded the experience of the St Augustine team, but is confident of his own team's ability to get the job done and seal their spot in the SSFL's top flight.

"Now that the players (affected by the flu) are close to full fitness, we are confident of getting positive results in these two games."

Signal Hill and Blanchisseuse – both with four points – also have their sights on promotion, and will stake their claim when they face each other in the final round of action in Tobago on March 8.

[Tallman]

Miracle Ministries put four past Moruga, SSFL promotion within reach
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

Central zone championship division winners Miracle Ministries Pentecostal High School moved within touching distance of sealing promotion to the 2024 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division season when they got a thumping 4-0 win away to Moruga Secondary on March 4.

Playing at their opponents' school compound in Moruga, the Miracle Ministries team finally found the goals which had been escaping them in the ongoing Big 5 championship playoffs as they emphatically recorded their first win of the tournament. Miracle Ministries attacker Judah Chinapoo scored a double to lead the way for the Central champions, with Daniel Blacks and Jerrod Modeste scoring a goal apiece.

Previously, Miracle Ministries played to goalless draws against both Blanchisseuse Secondary and Signal Hill Secondary.

With the big win over Moruga, Miracle Ministries moved up to five points and they jumped from fourth to second spot on the five-team table – overtaking both Blanchisseuse (four points) and Signal Hill (four points) in the process.

On February 24, Miracle Ministries' clash with Moruga was postponed after ten players from the former school were affected by "flu-like symptoms."

Now, with one round left in the Big 5 playoffs, Miracles Ministries have promotion in their own destiny as they approach the final match day this Friday. In their final game, Miracle Ministries will host East zone championship division winners St Augustine Secondary (seven points) in Edinburgh, Chaguanas. St Augustine clinched promotion to the 2024 premier division season when they got a 1-0 win over Signal Hill on February 24.

This Friday, Signal Hill, the Tobago championship division winners, will host the North zone championship division winners Blanchisseuse in a pivotal clash in Tobago. A win for either team will see them securing promotion to the premier division. Due to Blanchisseuse's superior goal difference, they will also cement their promotion with a draw.

At the foot of the table, Moruga (one point) have been played out of promotion contention as they only have their opening-day draw against St Augustine to show for their efforts.

SSFL Big 5 playoff standings:

Team*GP*W*D*L*GF*GA*GD*Pts

1.St Augustine*3*2*1*0*3*1*2*7

2.Miracle Ministries*3*1*2*0*4*0*4*5

3.Blanchisseuse*3*1*1*1*5*3*2*4

4.Signal Hill*3*1*1*1*3*3*0*4

5.Moruga*4*0*1*3*5*13*-8*1

[Flex]

Scarborough run riot vs Five Rivers, retain girls' Big 5 crown.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

Scarborough Secondary put in a dominant performance in the girls' Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Big 5 final on March 5, as they beat East zone champions Five Rivers Secondary by a 6-0 margin at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet, Tobago to retain their 2022 title.

The Big 5 final was originally scheduled for November 15, 2023, but the students from Five Rivers and Scarborough were almost made to wait four months before they could have one last dance for national supremacy due to several postponements.

Fresh from their participation in the Secondary Schools Track and Field (SSTF) national championship two weeks ago, Scarborough's star pair of J'Eleisha Alexander and Talia Martin both shone brightly in the Big 5 final as the visiting Five Rivers team looked out of their depth in Bacolet. Both Alexander and Martin made their Trinidad and Tobago women's team debuts for coach Richard Hood's squad during the women's Gold Cup qualifying campaign last year, and their quality was just too much for the opposition to handle.

Roughly 68 seconds into the contest, Player-of-the-Match Martin opened her account with a finish from a tight angle after playing a one-two with Alexander in the attacking third.

In the 16th minute, Martin made it 2-0 for Scarborough when she slammed home from close range at the end of an electric solo run which saw her dancing past at least four Five Rivers players after receiving a throw-in on the left flank.

Five Rivers did little to trouble their opposition, and the Big 5 final was a foregone conclusion by the halfway stage as Scarborough stormed out to a comfortable 5-0 lead.

Alexander, the 2022 SSFL MVP, came to life near the half-hour mark when she scored a pair of goals within the space of a minute. In the 30th minute, Alexander saw her long-range free kick deflected into the net by Five Rivers defender Ahmeeda Bowman.

Seconds later, Alexander scored with a deft left-footed volley after Martin breached the opposition defence with a searching lofted pass.

With Alexander and Martin having already filled their boots, Scarborough midfielder Kaleah Duke got in on the act to score her school's remaining goals in the one-sided finale.

In the 40th minute, Duke left the Five Rivers goalkeeper clutching at straws with a firm long-range hit that nestled into the bottom corner. And on the hour-mark, Duke displayed her finesse to the Bacolet crowd when she curled a right-footed shot into the top corner after receiving an unselfish pass from a charging Martin.

They were made to wait much longer than expected, but Scarborough Secondary are the girls' Big 5 champions for a second straight campaign.

[Tallman]

Last-gasp goals earn Signal Hill SSFL promotion, St Augustine, Miracle Ministries also advance
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday)

LAST-GASP goals from Signal Hill Secondary secured their promotion to the 2024 Secondary Schools Football (SSFL) premiership after the final round of Big 5 matches on Friday.

Playing at home in Tobago, Signal Hill salvaged two goals in the final minutes of their clash against Blanchisseuse Secondary to eke out a nail-biting 2-1 victory, to gain a premiership spot.

Blanchisseuse drew first blood as early in as the fourth minute courtesy a Roger Kirk strike. So it remained at half time and the visitors seemed destined for victory coming to the final stages of the second period.

However, fortune favoured the brave as Signal Hill defender Imanhi Forbes levelled by scoring in the 90th minute, and then sent the home fans into a frenzy when he found the back of the net once more, three minutes later.

Seconds after his goal, the game was blown off by the referee. The win for Signal Hill propelled them out of fourth place and into second, and now guarantees them a premiership place in this year’s SSFL top tier.

The Tobagonians finished on seven points. If Blanchisseuse had held on, they would have advanced to the premiership.

St Augustine Secondary and Miracle Ministries Pentecostal also affirmed promotion on Friday.

A second half hat-trick from the Green Machine’s Giovanni Hospedales saw St Augustine trump Miracle Ministries 3-0 at Edinburgh 500 Grounds. Hosepdales found the back of the net in the 56th, 62nd and 73rd minutes to put the tie out of reach for Miracle Ministries.

The victory saw St Augustine complete the Big 5 tourney with three wins and one draw, atop the standings on ten points.

Despite the loss, Miracle Ministries still advanced as the third-ranked team, with five points. Their Big 5 record stood at one win, two draws and one loss.

Signal Hill coach Downie Marcelle was elated to return to the top flight. He credited the come-from-behind win to a tactical change in the second half, which saw him shift centre-back Forbes to a striking position.

“We are filled with joy. A draw would not have done us good, and even though (Blanchisseuse) took an early lead, we stuck to the task. In the second half we made a tactical change to put our centre back to strike, because of his physicality.

“And it worked because he scored the two goals for us. I was a long, difficult and physical game and we didn’t get to play our normal passing game.”

He described the season as “long” since the Big 5 is usually completed by late November, early December.

“We’re now into March and we were still fighting for secondary schools football. We say hats off to the parents and teachers for the commitment for the season. And to the players, they are the real MVPs.”

[Flex]

Blanchisseuse blame 'dubious calls' for loss to Signal Hill, fracas erupts in SSFL Big 5 game.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

The Secondary Schools Football League's (SSFL) Big 5 playoffs came to a dramatic end on March 8, with Miracle Ministries Pentecostal High School and Signal Hill Secondary booking their spots in the 2024 premier division alongside Big 5 winners St Augustine Secondary.

The final day of the Big 5 playoffs was not without drama, though, as the game between North championship winners Blanchisseuse Secondary and Signal Hill came to an end in a distasteful manner in stoppage-time when players and fans from both teams squared off on the field in Signal Hill, Tobago.

Needing a win to clinch premier division qualification, the hosts got the crucial three points courtesy of two stoppage-time goals from defender-turned-striker Imanhi Forbes as they got a dramatic 2-1 win to spoil Blanchisseuse's promotion hopes.

With emotions and the stakes of the "history-making" contest on a high, "dubious calls" by referee Keon Yorke were in the spotlight and led to the clash between players and fans, according to Blanchisseuse manager Kevon Palmer.

Blanchisseuse, who only needed a draw to book their premier division spot, took a 1-0 lead through their talisman Roger Kirk early in the first half. However, Kirk was sent off in the second half for a second bookable offence when he delayed the taking of a Signal Hill set piece. Blanchisseuse finished the game with nine players, as Zakiyus Kirk was sent off in the dying stages of the game for abusive language.

Moments after Forbes' second goal, which saw Signal Hill leapfrogging Blanchisseuse in the standings, fans and players from both teams squared off as the visitors made their displeasure clear.

Palmer said the incident lasted for roughly five to ten minutes before being quelled, and he couldn't recall if the final whistle was blown to call off the game.

"That was not the ending either side wanted. Both schools have since condemned the behaviour (from the fans and players)," Palmer told Newsday.

The Blanchisseuse manager said the players have been left devastated and distraught.

"We have been playing for 21 years and we have been waiting for this moment," Palmer said. "A lot of brothers, cousins and aunts (of these players) have represented the school and they came out in their numbers to support.

"We understand that you win and you lose some. If we are to lose, we want to lose fairly."

Palmer said Blanchisseuse principal Hashim Johnson will advise the school on their next course of action concerning Friday's match. He said Blanchisseuse are also monitoring and awaiting the SSFL's decision on the Big 5 match between Miracle Ministries and Moruga Secondary on March 4, which saw the former school making a total of six substitutes in their 4-0 win.

SSFL president Merere Gonzales said he's hopeful the league can make a judgment on either situation in the coming week, though he says the referee's report from the Signal Hill and Blanchisseuse game had not reached him up to press time on March 9.

[Flex]

SSFL Premiership spots still up for grabs.
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian).

Moruga, Blanchisseuse protest questionable wins.

The Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) has again been asked to decide on which two teams will join St Augustine Secondary in the Premier Division later this year.

On Monday (March 4) and Friday (March 8.) respectively, Miracle Ministries Pentecostal and Signal Hill Secondary Schools both thought they had cemented their places with respective 4-0 and 2-1 victories over Moruga and Blanchisseuse during the Big Five Play-Off of the SSFL but instead, will have to prove their innocence in the protest room first.

The Miracle Ministries and Moruga encounter, played at the Moruga grounds on Monday, was nothing short of convincing for the visitors. However, Moruga representative Andy Joseph is claiming that the Central Zone winner breached the rules of the game by using six substitutions.

According to the laws of the SSFL, teams are allowed to make five substitutes with a sixth only required when a player gets a concussion in a match. Miracle Ministries midfielder Shivon Lalloo was involved in a clash in the first half of play and was subsequently stretchered off the field for what eventually turned out to be a broken arm.

The incident led to the first substitution for Miracle Ministries, who later went on to make five more substitutions afterwards. Joseph said while he recognised that quite a few substitutions were being made, he was not sure they had surpassed the amount required because of the intensity of the game.

Joseph confirmed that a protest was lodged with the SSFL soon after the match, noting that all they want is for the right thing to be done and the rules followed by all teams. Incidentally, if the SSFL rules in favour of Moruga, they will be upgraded to four points and in with a strong chance of sealing one of the spots up for grabs on goal difference.

“I cannot say what the SSFL will decide but they have all the facts in front of them. All I know is that it must be a level playing field for everyone,” Joseph said.

Moruga won the South Zone of the Boys Championship Division by six points but then survived a protest that they had breached the online registration process.

Joseph admitted that his team had been through so much this year, but they will remain strong, having experienced the highs and the lows in the SSFL over the years.

Moruga last played in the Premier Division back in 2022 but was relegated.

Miracle Ministries coach Kern Cupid said while he was asked to say nothing on the matter by his legal representative, he admitted that Lalloo did receive a slight concussion during the clash, in addition to a broken hand.

Like Moruga, Miracle Ministries, the Central Zone champion, also survived a complaint it had breached the registration process. However in its case, the school’s registration documents were not considered an official document from the web page of the SSFL, but rather a copy of registration, which was tantamount to a breach.

Cupid confirmed that both teams were allowed to use six substitutions in the match.

“Our sixth substitution was made in the 91st minute when the score was already 4-0, so it would have been insignificant. What we are working on now, is getting the medical document to confirm that Lalloo did get a slight concussion, which would mean that he was the sixth substitution in the game,” Cupid explained.

Meanwhile, Blanchisseuse is asking for answers as to why Roger Kirk and his cousin Zakiyus Kirk were red-carded in their Big Five showdown with Signal Hill at Signal Hill Ground, which allowed the home team to storm back, scoring two goals in five minutes to win the match and seal a Premiership spot.

Kirk (Roger) sent the Northerners ahead from the penalty spot in the fourth minute. However, Imanhi Forbes levelled the score in the 91st minute before hammering the final nail into the Blanchisseuse coffin in the 95th sending the home team into a frenzy at the thought of a Premier Division berth.

Both Principal Hashim Johnson and manager Kevon Palmer said they didn’t know what happened under referee Keon Yorke’s whistle.

Roger Kirk, after being yellow-carded in the first half, received a second yellow card for allegedly standing over the ball to prevent a quickly taken Signal Hill freekick in the 79th minute.

“The player was walking away from the ball on orders from the referee when he was given his second yellow card,” Palmer said. “In the second sending off, Kirk (Zakiyus) received consecutive yellow cards for a foul and the use of abusive language to the referee.”

[Tallman]

Miracle Ministries coach banned for SSFL fracas
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

Miracle Ministries Pentecostal High School football coach Kern Cupid was handed a three-game ban by the Secondary Schools Football League's (SSFL) disciplinary committee on Friday, for his role in a flare-up in the Big 5 championship division playoff match on February 20.

In a goalless draw between Signal Hill Secondary and his Miracle Ministries team in Tobago, Cupid reacted aggressively to taunting by Signal Hill defender Imanhi Forbes, who ran towards the Miracle Ministries bench pointing as he celebrated what he believed to be his team's winning goal in the match.

As he approached the bench next to Cupid, the coach grabbed the Signal Hill player and shoved him to the side before Forbes' teammates joined the melee and charged toward the Miracle Ministries dugout.

The incident brewed for a couple of minutes before the technical staff of both teams quelled the rage of both sets of players. The goal was ruled out for a hand-ball infringement.

In a chat with Newsday on Friday, SSFL disciplinary committee chairman Essiel Seecharan confirmed Cupid's suspension. And though he says Cupid and Miracle Ministries have the right to appeal, the suspension will carry over into the 2024 SSFL premier division as the Big 5 competition ended on March 8.

Seecharan spoke of the factors which led to the league's decision.

"There was some physicality shown by the coach. He shoved the young man," Seecharan told Newsday. "He was physically aggressive towards the player."

Seccharan said the committee felt Cupid's reaction to Forbes' taunting was the main reason for the fracas that followed.

In an immediate reaction to the ruling, Cupid said it was “disappointing for the game to end in the manner it did.”

He said tensions were high in the physical match and his staff were doing their utmost to ensure the game did not spiral out of control like it eventually did.

The Miracle Ministries coach said his reaction to Forbes was an “instinctual” one, and he claimed he was simply trying to remove Forbes from his team’s technical area as he felt the opposing player deliberately tried to antagonise his players.

Cupid said he accepted the league’s decision and he is “happy our objective of getting premiership promotion” was achieved.

On March 8, both Signal Hill and Miracle Ministries clinched premier division promotion, as they took the second and third spots on the Big 5 table. Miracle Ministries (five points) gained promotion despite suffering a 3-0 loss to Big 5 champions St Augustine Secondary (ten points) in the final round.

Meanwhile, Signal Hill (seven points) dramatically got two stoppage-time goals from Forbes as they got a 2-1 comeback win against Blanchisseuse Secondary to seal their promotion spot.

Needing a victory to clinch promotion in front of their home fans, Forbes' goals sparked wild celebration among the Signal Hill faithful in a contentious game which saw Blanchisseuse players Roger Kirk and Zakiyus Kirk being red-carded.

On Tuesday, the disciplinary committee will meet again when they deal with two matters arising from the Signal Hill and Blanchisseuse matchup. The red cards issued to the Kirks will be one of the topics of discussion, and a fracas at the end of the game involving players and fans will be the next item on the agenda.

Last week, Blanchisseuse manager Kevon Palmer claimed "dubious calls" cost his team the game and subsequent promotion. He also blamed the refereeing decisions by Keon Yorke for the fracas at the end of the high-stakes match. After Forbes' second goal, the game descended into chaos as fans stormed the field to square up with players.

Seecharan described the matter as sensitive as it involves the protection and safety of children, and he said the league is treating the case seriously.

Contacted for comment, Signal Hill coach Downie Marcelle said he will reserve his statements for next week when the verdict is handed down by the SSFL. He also declined comment on the outcome of Friday's hearing, as he said he was not privy to the news of Cupid's suspension.

[Tallman]

St Benedict's U14s win Lascaris Barbados Cup
By Enrique Rupert (T&T Newsday)

ST Benedict’s College under-14 football team were crowned champions of the Lascaris Barbados U-15 Cup on April 5. The Trinidad and Tobago team defeated Eden Stars of Jamaica 1-0.

It was St Benedict's first time participating in the tournament.

St Benedict's coach Sean Eastman said, “It was the first time actually reaching there (Barbados). We had everything prepared (in 2020) but covid came and destroyed everything.”

The trip took heavy planning and a committee comprised mostly of parents took that responsibility.

The Office of the Prime Minister Sports and Culture Fund helped fund the trip.

Parent Crystal Chan, one of the committee members, said, “The process generally takes three months, however, there’s a check-list of items you need to provide to the ministry. There was a lot of back and forth trying to satisfy the requirements and eventually it took us two months to get it all done.”

And while some private sponsors came on board, the funding accessed covered three-quarters of all the expenses: airfare, accommodation, ground transport, catering, uniforms and equipment.

Going into the tournament, the players thought it would be a breeze.

Eastman said, “They realised really quickly that it was not (easy). They were all capable teams; even though it wasn’t overly challenging, it was still good competition.”

Eastman appreciated the way the St Benedict's contingent were treated in Barbados.

“Accommodation at Time Out Hotel; the staff was quite hospitable and really friendly. We even got more time at the pool when we won the tournament. Even when we checked out, they gave us three rooms to co-ordinate ourselves.”

In recent years, the school has changed its football programme, a move which has seen them win multiple titles in the secondary school’s football league at various levels.

“We are trying to make the programme a little more dynamic and lengthy outside of the school period. Football in Trinidad is now a year-round thing, so with that we had to make changes – having tours during the holiday periods.”

St Benedict's player Michaei Esdelle said, “It was an eye-opening experience, seeing how differently regional teams play and facing different adversities on the pitch. The experience of Barbados was also exciting – the culture, the dialect was unique, and it was just refreshing.”

With this win and the positive experiences of Barbados, both the footballers, parent and staff were pleased.

Chan said, “This was a priceless experience. At 14, seeing what football looks like regionally and with the boys thinking the challenge would be easy, they learned valuable life lessons to never judge a book by its cover. This experience wasn’t just about the football. It was able to bring the boys closer and give them a greater appreciation for each other.”

[Tallman]

Girls Premier Division coming to SSFL
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)

GIRLS football will be a big feature of the 2024 season, the year when the Secondary Schools Football League celebrates its 60th anniversary.

While honouring the top achievers of the 2023 season yesterday, at its annual awards and prize distribution function at the Couva Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce, SSFL president Merere Gonzales promised the formation of a Girls Premier Division this coming season.

The new season will open with an exhibition match between Girls InterCol champions Pleasantville Secondary and League champions Scarborough Secondary, alongside the traditional boys season-opening showcase to be contested between the Premier Division champions Fatima College and Coca-Cola InterCol winners Presentation College San Fernando.

Gonzales also signalled a determination to begin the long-promised Girls Under-13 league, again dependent on sponsor interest. Additionally schools futsal, beach soccer, and e-sport activities are planned features of the 60th anniversary celebrations.

Yesterday’s awards ceremony drew a strong turnout of student-athletes to receive their awards. There were also pan and calypso contributions of by members of Holy Faith Convent, Couva.

Gonzales thanked sponsors First Citizens, Shell, the National Gas Company, Coca-Cola and SportsMax for their continued involvement in the development of schools football, noting that it would not be possible without them.

“It’s is the only organisation (SSFL) that facilitates, at this point in time, so many student-athletes in Trinidad and Tobago,” Gonzales stated.

The SSFL president also urged the students to pay strong attention to their education, since there is life after football.

“You are students first, and you are athletes after,” Gonzalez noted.

Reflecting on the 2023 campaign where there were a couple of unsavoury moments late in the season, especially in the Championship Division Big Five competition, Gonzalez waved the big stick.

“The SSFL is not an advocacy of misconduct,” Gonzales said, and indicated that the organisation would take a no-tolerance policy towards violence and urged competitors to be self disciplined at all times.

Delivering the feature address was Brian Lewis, general secretary of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC). He urged the footballers to pay special attention to their education, noting they were the future of T&T in all areas. He also noted the importance of the SSFL in producing outstanding former national footballers such Dwight Yorke, Shaka Hislop, Kenwyne Jones, Russell Latapy and current national coach Angus Eve, among them.

“The Secondary Schools Football League is the breeding ground for great Trinidad and Tobago footballers,” Lewis declared.

[Tallman]

Fatima, Pres Sando meet in SSFL Cup on Sept 7
T&T Guardian

Fatima College, the reigning national Secondary Schools Football League Boys' Premiership Division champions and Coca-Cola Inter-Col title-holder Presentation College of San Fernando, will kick off the 2024 season of the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) when they meet in the season opener on Saturday, September 7 at the Diego Martin Sporting Complex, Bagatelle Road, Diego Martin, from 4 pm for the NGC Cup.

This was announced by Laurence Seepersad, Assistant Secretary of Operations of the SSFL, at the launch of this year's 60th edition of the SSFL at the St. Madeleine Meeting Room, The Brix Regency, Coblentz Avenue, Cascade, St Ann's on Wednesday.

The match against Presntation College will be Fatima College's second straight appearance in the season opener after they went under to St. Benedict's College 3-4 in the Premier Division NGC Super Cup clash, which was contested between the Premier Division 'Big Four' champions and the National Inter-Col winners to kick off the 2023 season at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo last year.

For the duration of the 2024 SSFL season, which runs from September to December, 101 schools have registered to compete across both boys and girls divisions, with 246 teams in the boys and 80 among the girls, combining for more than 7,000 plus students and athletes.

This year's Premier Division will comprise 16 teams, with Fatima College and Presentation College of San Fernando being joined by four-time winners Naparima College, Arima North Secondary, St Benedict's College, East Mucurapo Secondary, San Juan North Secondary, Queen's Royal College, Speyside Secondary, Malick Secondary, St Mary's College, and St Anthony's College, and the promoted trio of St Augustine Secondary and Signal Hill Secondary, both former national league and Inter-Col champions, as well as Miracle Ministries Pentecostal, who will make their Premier Division debut in the competition with the final round of matches set for Friday, November 1.

Speaking at the launch, Stephen "Bison" Williams, manager of the Fatima staff, said the expectations of the team will be to go after all four titles at stake.

He said, "Starting with the NGC Cup against Presentation, we will be targeting the four titles up for grabs, with the North Zone Inter-Col, the National Inter-Col, and the defence of our national league title the others."

"We know it's going to be tough considering some of our key players, like captains Christian Bailey and Jaden Williams, are moving on to Europe and the USA, respectively, while goalkeeper Triston Edwards has also moved on.

"At the same time, we still have the reigning SSFL Player of the Year, Michael Chaves, who is coming back from a broken leg  with us along with the same defence from last year, and together with the promotion of some Under-16 players, we should have a good team." 

At the end of the 2023 season, Hutson Charles-coached Fatima College, led by Chaves, dethroned St. Benedict's College as Premier Division kings when they finished with 40 points from 15 matches, five ahead of the southerners, to end a 45-year league title and secure the team's third national league crown overall after lifting its first title in 1973.

And in the national Inter=Col final, captain and goalkeeper Kanye Lazarus first pulled off a penalty save in regulation time before adding two more in the shoot-out to lead the Shawn Cooper-coached Presentation College of San Fernando to a 7-6 sudden-death penalty-kicks win over St. Anthony's College after an entertaining 0-0 draw and their third Inter-Col title at the national level in school history.

As in previous years, there will also be Zonal Championship Division competition for both boys and girls in the Central, East, North, South, and Tobago Zones.

In the girls competition, Tobago Zone winners Scarborough Secondary, inspired by the SSFL 'Girls Player of the Year' J'Eleisha Alexander, hammered East Zone's Five Rivers Secondary 6-0 to retain their National Secondary School Girls Football League 'Big-Five' title and will start as joint favourites to repeat alongside reigning National Inter-Col Girls champions and five-time winners Pleasantville Secondary, led by Nikita Gosine.

Among the sponsors for this year's SSFL season are First Citizens, Coca-Cola, NGC, Trend, and Sportsmax.

2024 SSFL Zonal Championship participants:

Boys:

East: El Dorado West Sec, Holy Cross College, Hillview College, El Doardo East Sec, St George's College, Valencia Sec

North: Diego Martin Central, Blanchisseuse Sec, Tranquillity Sec, Trinity College, Mucurapo West.

South: Pleasantville Sec, Ste Madeleine Sec, Point Fortin East Sec, Moruga Sec, Siparia West Sec, Rio Claro West Sec.

Tobago: Scarborough Sec, Mason Hall Sec, Pentecostal Light & Life, Roxborough Sec, Bishop's High School

Central: Carapichaima West Sec, Carapichaima East Sec, Miracle Ministries PHS, Chaguanas North Sec, Holy Faith Convent, Chaguanas South Sec.

Girls:

Central: Carapichaima West Sec, Miracle Ministries PHS, Holy Faith Convent, Carapichaima East Sec, Chaguanas North Sec, Chaguanas South Sec.

East: Bishop's Anstey East, Sangre Grande Sec, El Dorado East, San Juan North Sec, Five Rivers Sec, St Augustine Sec.

North: Bishop's Anstey High (PoS), Blanchisseuse Sec, Diego Martin Central, Holy Name Convent (PoS), St Joseph's Convent, Tranquillity Sec.

South: St Joseph's Convent (San F'do), Princes Town West Sec, Pleasantville Sec, Palo Seco, Moruga Sec.

Tobago: Signal Hill Sec, Speyside High, Mason Hall Sec, Roxborough Sec, Pentecostal Light & Life, Bishop's High, Scarborough Secondary School.


SSFL NGC

September 7 match

Fatima College vs Presentation College (San F'do), D/Martin Sporting Complex, 4 pm


SSFL Premier Premier Division Round One:

Wednesday, September 11:

All matches kick off at 3.30 pm

Arima North Sec. vs St Benedict's College, to be advised

Naparima College vs East Mucurapo, Lewis St Grd, San F'do

Presentation (San F'do) vs Miracle Ministries, to be advised

San Juan North Sec vs QRC, San Juan North Sec Grd, Bourg Mulatresse

Speyside Sec vs Malick Sec, Speyside Sec Grd

St Augustine Sec vs Fatima College, Warren St, St Augustine

St Mary's College vs St Anthony's College, St Mary's Grd, St Clair

Trinity College East vs Signal Hill Sec, Trincity

[Tallman]

SportsMax hits lack of SSFL venues: 'Do better for school football'
By Enrique Rupert (T&T Newsday)

AS the 2024 Secondary Schools' Football League (SSFL) season gets set to kick off on September 7, Kerry Gibbons, the head of creative production of SportsMax, has called on the responsible stakeholders to "do better," as there is a lack of available venues for the competition.

Gibbons spoke at the launch of the season at The BRIX hotel, St Ann's on August 28.

He said, "There are also a struggle with venues, which also affects our broadcast schedules and logistics.

"In a country rich with stadia and football facilities, those responsible must do better!"

SportsMax has been an official sponsor and broadcaster for the SSFL since 2016. Recently, the company was the official broadcaster of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the Caribbean.

Master of ceremonies for the launch and SportsMax broadcaster Hans Des Vignes boasted of the company's "high-quality" productions.

"The same equipment used to produced Olympics and international football games, that's the equipment used to produced the SSFL."

On August 23, president of the SSFL, Merere Gonzales, in an interview with Newsday, said there are obstacles hindering the partnership with SporstMax.

When asked if more boys' games would be broadcast, he said, "They are saying that they would like to have doubleheaders."

Gonzales said the SSFL would love to have more doubleheaders, as more games would be live, more players would be exposed and their resumes would have more video clips.

However, the SSFL boss said, "What we have working against us is the availability of the venues, so we can have games not too early in the afternoon, because we would like the spectators and support groups that comes after school (to attend).

"If (we are) having at game at 2 pm, it's negating even students from coming and support."

He said if the SSFL has to do double headers, games would need to begin at 2 pm because of "unavailability of light in some venues."

Newsday visited the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva on August 21 and observed some broken and discoloured seats as well as rusting beams.

The Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima has not had floodlights for some time now.

The Hasely Crawford Stadium was renovated last year for the Commonwealth Youth Games. It was closed in July for renovations.

A Newsday article on July 27 said the stadium was initially scheduled to be closed on July 1 to facilitate planned renovations. However, a SporTT statement on July 26 said the facility will remain open for bookings until a new date for the start of planned rehabilitation works is confirmed.

Gibbons said while the main focus at this time is the boys' premiership and championship divisions, he wants the girls to also get some attention.

"I was present at a few matches last season, it was wall-to-wall action with an atmosphere like no other."

Gibbons said SportsMax was happy to support the SSFL and young people.

He encouraged other corporate entities to "come off the sidelines and walk onto the pitch."

Coca-Cola sponsors the Intercol tournament in the SSFL.

Anthony Lovelace, senior brand specialist, Coca-Cola, said the company has invested over one million in cash to the league over a three-year period.

"Coca-Cola has reinforced its commitment to sports around the world, especially football.

"Our global partnerships make it easier to continue pushing and developing the sport here locally."

Lovelace said, in the SSFL post-season Coca-Cola will take the top two boys and girls Intercol schools as well as coaches to further their development.

"They will take part in a one-day skills and exhibition season with foreign-based trainers and scouts to aid in attaining overseas opportunities through the game they love.

"We will also host a one-day coaching seminar for all coaches, to ensure they continue to enhance and advance their skills."

During the launch it was said that 101 schools were registered for the 2024 season, with 246 boys teams and 80 girls teams set to compete in the various divisions.

The season begins on September 7 with the NGC Super Cup - winners of the SSFL Premiership League versus the National Intercol winners - when Fatima College take on Presentation College, San Fernando at the Diego Martin Sporting Complex from 4 pm.

[Tallman]

Fatima target 'clean sweep,' face Pres in NGC Cup showdown
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

MORE than five months after suffering a fracture of the left fibula during a T&T Premier Football League (TTPFL) tier two match for Queen's Park Cricket Club (QPCC), national youth striker Michael Chaves is set to feature for Fatima College in the National Gas Company (NGC) Super Cup match against Presentation College (San Fernando) on September 6.

The NGC Super Cup match is the curtain-raiser for the 2024 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) season and will see last season's premier division winners going up against the reigning national intercol winners. Kickoff will be from 4 pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo.

Fatima copped their first national league title in 45 years last year, with Chaves later being named the SSFL Player of the Year for 2023. The 18-year-old was one of the standout performers for the T&T under-20 team during the Concacaf Under-20 Men's Championships qualifiers in February, and he was rewarded with his first senior cap by former Soca Warriors head coach Angus Eve when the national team met Jamaica in a friendly on March 1.

On March 17, featuring for QPCC against MIC Matura United, Chaves fractured his leg after being on the receiving end of a rough tackle.

Speaking to Newsday last week, Fatima manager Stephen Williams said Chaves is working towards the season nicely, and he expects more big things from the youngster as he rebounds from the injury layoff.

"Chaves has been looking pretty sharp, honestly. I think he will definitely have another good year, barring injury," said Williams, who also expects national youth players Seth Hadeed and Caden Trestrail to feature prominently for Fatima this season.

"(Chaves has) been feeling really confident and that's the type of guy he is. Once he's feeling confident, we'll definitely be in a good place."

Williams said Fatima are optimistic about defending their premier division crown, and they also want to make a statement beginning with the NGC Super Cup.

"(We're) definitely confident...that is the mantra for our school. We have four trophies at stake and we definitely want to take a clean sweep this year," he said.

Last year, Fatima were beaten 4-3 in the NGC Super Cup by 2022 premier division champs St Benedict's College, who got a hat-trick from T&T under-20 player Derrel Garcia.

And this year, they will need to tame the "Pres Lions" squad which lifted last year's national intercol when they edged St Anthony's via a penalty shootout in the finale.

Presentation coach Shawn Cooper said his team has lost as many as five first-team players, including goalkeeper Kanye Lazarus, but he believes they have the quality to be a competitive force this season.

He anticipates an intriguing battle against his "good friend" coach Hutson Charles and the Fatima team.

"(Fatima) base their football on possession and expansive football and opening up the field, using the young talent they have," Cooper told Newsday.

"They have a wealth of young talent so it will be a very challenging game for us. We will try to put our best foot forward and let the chips fall where they may."

He said the preparation for this season has been different as the team has been peaking towards the NGC Super Cup match.

"As a coach, I would tell you the game has a life of its own," he said.

"It's an exhibition game, although it's played for a trophy. The crowd will be expecting a very entertaining one. I think it will be entertaining, but we'll play it as the game dictates."

[Tallman]

Fatima edge Pres 2-1 to lift NGC Super Cup
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

LAST season's Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division champions Fatima College lifted the first title of the 2024 season on September 6 when they got a 2-1 win against Presentation College (San Fernando) at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo to pocket a $5,000 prize and the National Gas Company (NGC) Super Cup.

The Super Cup is a match featuring the premier division champions and the National Intercol winners from the previous season.

Fatima rested talents such as 2023 SSFL Player of the Year Michael Chaves and national youth attacker Caden Trestrail. However, that did little to curtail Fatima's momentum and they got goals in either half from the lively Luke Correia and defender Matthew Barrington to see off the threat of their southern counterparts, who got a late consolation goal from captain and central defender Cody Cooper.

In humid conditions, a Presentation team which included the T&T men's Under-20 team trio of Levi Jones, Duhrell Young and Cooper, started the brighter of the two teams without creating many clear-cut chances.

Wide player Roshaun Doobay looked a threat in the early stages with his blistering speed, and he forced a fine save from Fatima goalkeeper Shameal O'Brien in the 14th minute. The 16-year-old O'Brien delivered a shrewd performance between the sticks and commanded his box nicely. Unfortunately, his evening was cut short in the 75th minute when he was stretchered away in the waiting ambulance after receiving a knock from strapping Presentation forward Caleb Boyce in a coming together between the two players.

In the 18th minute of play, O'Brien and his defenders were caught unawares by a teasing Micah Brathwaite cross, but no Presentation attackers were in the six-yard box to make them pay.

If O'Brien's performance was assured, opposing number Renaldo Lee put on a more nervous showing in the Presentation goal, and he made an awkward save in the 29th minute to stop a long-range hit by Correia.

With Fatima's confidence growing in the encounter, flanker Jonathan Mason wasted a presentable chance in the 43rd minute after midfielder Jedaiah King picked off a sloppy back pass.

In first-half stoppage-time, Fatima got the opening goal of the contest when Correia stylishly passed into the bottom corner from the edge of the area after a marauding run down the right by the lanky Levi Smith.

Corriea's calm finish underscored his quality which he gave glimpses of in the contest with his close control and deceptive change of pace.

Barrington doubled Fatima's lead from the penalty spot in the 80th minute, but before that, the centre back made a brilliant last-ditch interception in the 64th minute to stop a charging run from attacker Vaughn Clement.

In the 72nd minute, the Fatima rear guard had another crucial intervention, as a brave O'Brien stormed out of his area to throw himself at the feet of Boyce who looked to be through on goal. O'Brien's bravery cost him, though, as he played no further part in the match after the clash.

Just moments later, referee Cecile Hinds made a critical call which ultimately decided the fate of the game when she pointed to the penalty spot after a shot from substitute Jahaem Bailey struck Cooper. With the defender's hand at his side, it appeared to be a harsh call.

Barrington had no time for sympathy as he sent Lee the wrong way to make it 2-0.

In the sixth minute of stoppage-time, Cooper made amends and gave the Presentation fans something to cheer about when he headed home via a deflection from a right-side corner.

The "Pres Lions" posse roared as they dreamt of a comeback, but Hinds' final whistle blew mere seconds after the restart as Fatima got the win to put last season's NGC Super Cup loss to St Benedict's behind them.

Last week, Fatima manager Stephen Williams said his team will be targeting a "clean sweep" of the competitions this season. The Fatima supporters will hope this is the start of something special.

[Flex]

Fatima start SSFL defence against Gustine.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).

DEFENDING Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division champions Fatima College will open their title defence against promoted St Augustine Secondary at the latter's school ground from 3.30 pm on September 11.

Fatima won the first title of the season when they copped the National Gas Company Super Cup with a 2-1 victory over Presentation College, San Fernando at Hasely Crawford Stadium on September 6.

A couple of Fatima's expected starters this season did not play in the Super Cup including Michael Chaves and Caden Trestrail.

Defending Intercol champions Presentation College, San Fernando will be favourites to earn three points on the opening day when they tackle Miracle Ministries Pentecostal at Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella.

Another intriguing contest in round one will be a battle of the saints as St Mary's College will be at home against the Tigers of St Anthony's College at St Mary's Ground in St Clair.

In other matches, Arima North Secondary face St Benedict's College at Arima Velodrome; Naparima College battle East Mucurapo at Lewis Street, San Fernando; San Juan North play Queen's Royal College at San Juan North; Speyside Secondary and Malick Secondary meet at Speyside Recreation Ground; and Trinity College East compete against Signal Hill Secondary at the former's ground in Trincity.

Fixtures:

Arima North Secondary vs St Benedict's College, Arima Velodrome

Naparima College vs East Mucurapo, Lewis Street

Presentation College San Fernando vs Miracle Ministries, Manny Ramjohn Stadium

San Juan North vs Queen's Royal College, San Juan North

Speyside Secondary vs Malick Secondary, Speyside Recreation Groud

St Augustine Secondary vs Fatima College, St Augustine Secondary

St Mary's College vs St Anthony's College, St Mary's College

Trinity College East vs Signal Hill Secondary, Trinity College East

[asylumseeker]

Looks like the Saints didn't go marching on. 😯 Riveting score for an opening encounter.

[Tallman]

Naparima College ease past East Mucurapo in strong SSFL start
By David Scarlett (T&T Newsday)

FOUR-time Premier Division champions of the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL), Naparima College, got off to a perfect start as they cruised past northerners East Mucurapo 2-0 on match day one at Naparima College Ground, Lewis Street, San Fernando on September 11.

The match was threatened to be postponed due to East Mucurapo's kit clash, as their strip was the same colour as Naparima's blue home outfit. The match officials and the match commissioner improvised to ensure that the game kicked off - albeit 20 minutes late - by allowing East Mucurapo to borrow the home team's grey away kit and flip the shirts so that "two Naparimas" weren't on the pitch.

The flipped jersey decision made it difficult for fans and match officials to easily identify players, as the only way to do so was to watch the numbers on the players' shorts.

When the match finally kicked off, both teams began the half slowly, seemingly feeling each other out before they launched an attack. The slow pattern of play made the hosts complacent and they passed the ball around the pitch without any clear chances on goal. East Mucurapo struggled to find their feet and spent the majority of the first half defending their penalty area. Their resounding effort got them to the interval with the score goalless.

However, Naparima switched gears at the beginning of the second half and came out with all guns blazing. Seconds after Akil Weekes whistled to signal the start of the second period, Naparima worked their way into the penalty area and created a crossing opportunity for Xarion France. But the mercurial attacker could not connect to the ball directed across the face of goal.

The hosts continued to press their opponents deeper into the attacking third and had several efforts on goal, but Zyan Sylvan remained untested in the East Mucurapo goal.

Naparima reaped the rewards from their attacking threat in the 52nd minute when Adasa Richardson provided a lay-off for Akiel Vesprey inside of the penalty area, and he blissfully placed the ball into the bottom left corner.

"Naps Ground" erupted in delight just five minutes later when substitute Donovan Drayton - minutes after being brought onto the pitch -  delivered a left-sided corner-kick, which was deflected into the net by East Mucurapo defender Jalane Browne.

East Mucurapo were then deflated and showed little effort to get back into the game. The hosts took their feet off the gas pedal and focused on continuing to dominate possession.

The last major chance of the match came in the 86th minute when Kaliq Perez received a cross with him all alone in the penalty area, but he couldn't adjust his body well enough to direct the ball between the posts.

At full-time, Naparima celebrated a 2-0 victory in front of their home fans, the perfect start to the long season ahead, and the perfect start for Reynold Carrington in his full first season as the head coach of Naparima College, as well as 2006 World Cup Soca Warrior, Densill Theobald, serving his role as assistant coach.

[Tallman]

'Pres', St Anthony's win big
T&T Express

Presentation College San Fernando and St Anthony's College were off to flying starts, when the Premier Division of the Secondary Schools Football League kicked off yesterday.

A beaver-trick from Caleb Boyce highlighted Presentation's 6-0 victory over division new boys Miracle Ministries at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, while the Tigers from St Anthony's also hit six at old rivals St Mary's College.

There were also opening day wins for San Juan North Secondary over Queen's Royal College (2-1) and Naparima College over East Mucurapo Secondary (2-0), but defending champions Fatima College, did not get onto the pitch as their match against St Augustine Secondary was called off because of a waterlogged surface, in St Augustine.

Meanwhile, St Benedict's College could not manage a single goal against Arima North Secondary at the Arima Velodrome. It was a match in which the home team, the Dial Dynamos, had more possession, but strong defence by both teams held sway, so much so that Arima defender Christon Gomez was named Man-of-the-Match. Very little happened and very few troubling moments were created for either goalkeeper. Both coaches had strong excuses. "The team (we played) today, was a total Under-16 team," stated Randolph Boyce, head coach of St Benedict's, who pointed a finger at administrative delays for his senior players not yet being able to play.

"We knew we would be solid at the back, solid in the middle," Boyce said. "As the tournament proceeds, we will get stronger."

Arima head coach Wayne Sheppard pointed to an interrupted pre-season, and one of his key play-makers having an off day, for the lack of sparkle.

"We are playing catch-up because a number of our players did not come out to pre-season training," Sheppard admitted, while further explaining that some chose to play in a youth competition rather than prepare for the coming schools season. Sheppard spoke of yesterday's match, being attritional rather than stylish.

"I thought this was a hard-fought game. I think we could have come out with three points but I feel if you talk to Boyce, he might say the same," Sheppard said.

Yesterday's scores

Arima North 0 St Benedict's 0

Presentation Sando 6 (Caleb Boyce 4, Isaiah Jacob, Dhurell Young) Miracle Ministries 0

San Juan North 2 (Jadiel Joseph, Michel Baptiste) QRC 1 (Stephon James)

Speyside 2 (Daviel Thomas, Riquelme Phillips) Malick 2

Naparima 2 (Akiel Vespry, Donovan Drayton) Mucurapo 0

St Mary's 0 St Anthony's 6 (Jaeden Bobb 2, Jean-Marc Thomas 2, Terique Theobald, Rondell Harewood)

St Augustine Fatima (match postponed because of waterlogged field)

Today's match

Trinity East vs Signal Hill, Trincity

[Tallman]

St Anthony's hit St Mary's for six in SSFL's 'Battle of the Saints'
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

LAST season's Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) national intercol runners-up St Anthony's College got a terrific start to the 2024 premier division campaign on September 11 when they hammered rivals St Mary's College by a 6-0 margin at the latter school's ground in St Clair.

Historically known as the "Battle of the Saints," this Serpentine Road tussle was as one-sided as they come on this occasion and the visitors from Westmoorings took full control as they cruised to the comprehensive victory.

St Mary's captain and forward Kyle Phillip battled hard up front and showed his quality in spurts, and he should have been awarded a penalty in the 13th minute when a St Anthony's defender stumbled and handled in the penalty area when he tried to thwart a solo run.

There was no call forthcoming from referee Nathalya Williams, though, and Phillip's burst into the area was one of the few moments to savour for the home team.

Playmaker Jaeden Bobb and bulldozing forward Jean-Marc Thomas were a handful all game for the hosts, and both players scored braces in the first half as St Anthony's stormed to a 4-0 lead by halftime.

Thomas headed in from close range in the 15th minute, but he was adjudged to be in an offside position. Seconds later, he ensured there were no question marks surrounding St Anthony's first goal when he drilled a right-footed shot past St Mary's 14-year-old custodian Estefan Gift from the edge of the area.

Gift and his defenders didn't have the best of days, and the hosts went down 2-0 in the 23rd minute when Thomas calmly converted from close range after rounding the goalkeeper.

In the 39th minute, Bobb got his name on the scoresheet when he lobbed Gift, who needlessly raced off his line. And in first-half stoppage-time, Bobb volleyed past Gift at the back stick after meeting a left-side cross from Terique Theobald.

Josiah Superville came on for Gift in the second half, and though the burly keeper made a couple of sharp saves, he was beaten by a pair of fabulous strikes from the rampant "Westmoorings Tigers."

In the 49th minute, defender Rondell Harewood scored with a lovely curling shot from outside the area, with Theobald scoring with an absolute bullet from a tight angle in the 54th minute to wrap up the game's scoring.

At the Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella, reigning national intercol champs Presentation College (San Fernando) also started the season on a high when they thumped the newly promoted Miracle Ministries Pentecostal High School by a 6-0 margin. Striker Caleb Boyce stole the show for "Pres" with a beaver-trick.

At Lewis Street, San Fernando, four-time premier division champions Naparima College got a 2-0 win over East Mucurapo Secondary with goals from Akiel Vesprey and Donovan Drayton.

In Bourg Mulatresse, San Juan North Secondary got a 2-1 over Queen's Royal College, with reigning East zone intercol champions Arima North Secondary playing to a goalless draw with a youthful St Benedict's College outfit at Arima Velodrome.

In Tobago, Speyside Secondary battled back to get a 2-2 draw with Malick Secondary after the diminutive Anotnio Sealey netted a first-half brace for the visitors.

Reigning premier division winners Fatima College, who opened up their season by lifting the National Gas Company Super Cup on September 6, were unable to get their title defence under way as their game against St Augustine Secondary was called off due to a flooded outfield at the latter's ground.

The encounter between Trinity College East and Signal Hill Secondary will be played from 3 pm on September 12 at the former's ground in Trincity.

[Tallman]

Kyle James hat-trick guides Signal Hill past Trinity East 3-2
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian)

Signal Hill Secondary School signalled a stern warning to its competitors in the Premiership Division of the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Wednesday afternoon with a come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Trinity College East in Trincity on their return to the SSFL's top-flight competition.

Striker Kyle James led the way for the Tobagonians with a hat-trick which came after Deisean Plaza fired the Arouca lads ahead in the 33rd minute. James notched the equaliser a minute later in the 34th minute and then pushed them ahead in the 41st minute, 2-1.

James was an influential figure for his team clinching the Tobago Boys' Championship Division title last year and then their eventual third-place finish in the Big Five Play-Off which secured their promotion to this year's Premiership Division.

But yesterday, he was asked to lead the way in his team's greatest test in recent times, having not played in the SSFL's top-flight competition since 2017.

After closing off the first half with two items that led the Tobagonians to the half-time interval in a position of ascendancy, James pushed his team's advantage to 3-1 with his third goal of the game in the 50th minute.

The game appeared to have been done and dusted until Dexter Croal breathed some life back into his team in Arouca, by finding the nets in the 70th minute for a 3-2 scoreline. Having finished the season in the eighth position last year, the Trinity College East lads may count this one as a point that they let slip.

Meanwhile, Signal Hill coach Downie Marcelle said he was particularly happy for his players who had been rewarded for their hard work over the past couple of years.

"We have not been to the top-flight Premier Division since 2017, so the players really worked hard last year, winning the Championship Division, and then finishing third in the Big Five Play-Offs. But yesterday, we were placed in a noisy cafeteria for two hours, where we could do absolutely nothing. We could not even concentrate, but I told the guys to use this experience to strengthen themselves on the field and they did just that," Marcelle said.

Asked if he was concerned when the home team went ahead, Marcelle said, "No, I was not because I have confidence in my players. In fact, any time we step onto a football field, we go to win."

The Tobagonians will next face San Juan North, the 2023 East InterCol winner on Saturday at home. Marcelle said he is expecting a tough contest from the San Juan unit but being at home, he intends to make it work for them.

Saturday's matches (Start time 3.30 pm)

Arima North vs St Augustine, Arima Velodrome

Fatima College vs Miracle Ministries, Fatima Ground

Queen's Royal College vs Presentation San Fernando, QRC Ground

Signal Hill vs San Juan North, Signal Hill Ground

Speyside Secondary vs St Benedict's College, Speyside Recreational Ground

St Anthony's College vs East Mucurapo, St Anthony's Ground

St Mary's College vs Malick Sec, St. Mary's Ground

Trinity College East vs Naparima College, Trinity Ground

[Tallman]

Pres keep early lead
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)

PRESENTATION COLLEGE of San Fernando (six points) remained early leaders in the Premier Division of the Secondary Schools Football League after winning 2-1 away at Queen's Royal College yesterday, maintaining a 100% record after two matches.

St Anthony's College (six) and Naparima College (six) are also perfect after two games after edging East Mucurapo Secondary and Trinity College East 2-1 and 3-2 respectively, while defending champions Fatima College opened their league defence with a huge 8-0 home win over newcomers Miracle Ministries, who have now conceded 14 goals in two matches.

And San Juan North Secondary conceded a decisive second half goal when losing 3-2 to Signal Hill Secondary.

Having drawn goalless on Wednesday, St Benedict's College and Arima North Secondary both picked up wins yesterday and are now on four points, Arima swamping newly-promoted St Augustine Secondary 5-0 and St Benedict's defeating Tobago's Speyside High School 3-1.

On QRC ground, goals on either side of half-time by Isaiah Jacob (27th minute) and Caleb Boyce (70th) saw the Southerners comfortably take a 2-0 lead before winger Micah Nelson curled a free-kick in at the back post for a QRC consolation in the 88th minute.

It was more difficult than their season-opening 6-0 stroll past newcomers Miracle Ministries Pentecostal, but "Pres" always looked the more dangerous side against a QRC team which had loads of passive possession, but mainly played the ball in their own half.

QRC keeper Shemuel Cassimy denied Presentation early chances through strikers Vaughn Clement and Caleb Boyce, but it was the keeper's error which led to Jacob putting Presentation into a 1-0 lead.

Failing to lift an attempted clearance over Boyce, Cassimy also got a weak punch onto the rebound, leading to the ball falling to Jacob, who lobbed it into an unprotected net.

Making up for his earlier error, Cassimy twice saved shots from Jacob to keep QRC in the match, first smothering the ball at the back post, and then saving with his legs when the Presentation attacker broke through from the left flank.

"We made it difficult on ourselves. We should have been 4-0 up at the half," stated Presentation coach Shawn Cooper, who explained that he had easily worked out QRC's attempt to play the ball out, leading to his team winning many turnovers by pressing the Royalians.

Having come out just a goal down, QRC almost had an explosive second half, when flanker Nelson had the ball in the net within 30 seconds of kick-off, but eager to meet Stefon James' pass he strayed into an offside position and referee Nathalia Williams disallowed the goal.

Despite a much improved QRC second period showing, Presentation were able to extend their lead to 2-0, after Boyce raced onto a through ball, eluded his marker and dinked his shot over the QRC goalie, for his fifth goal into two matches, having scored four against Miracle Ministries.

Having seen his team gain a late consolation, Kenwyne Jones, the former T&T national captain and English Premiership striker was still unimpressed.

"It was disappointing. Disappointing from start to finish for us," said Jones, who felt QRC looked nothing like what they showed in pre-season.

He plans to work on their defending and decision-making.

YESTERDAY'S SSFL RESULTS:

Presentation 2 (Isaiah Jacob, Caleb Boyce) QRC 1 (Micah Nelson)

St Benedict's 3 (Adam Pierre, Sahri Mitchelle, Ethan Trotman) Speyside 1 (Hyon George)

Arima North 5 (Michel John 2, Christian Gomez 2, Ethan Trotman) St Augustine Secondary 0

Fatima 8 (Kedan Trestrail 2, Josiah Gobin 2, Michael Chaves, Mathew Barrington - penalty, Levi Smith, Luke Correia) Miracle Ministries 0

St Anthony's College 2 (Jamal Thomas, Terique Theobald) East Mucurapo 1 (Keysan haynes)

Malick 3 (Tyrese Manswell, Jahseem Daly, Ronaldo Richards) St Mary's 1 (Kyle Phillips)

Naparima 3 (Aaron Raymond 2, Israel Joseph) Trinity East 2

Signal Hill 3 (Jermaine Morgan, Kyle James, Israel Trim) San Juan North 2 (Jaheim Danclair, Jelani Valentine)

[asylumseeker]

After two matchdays, Arima North is the only team that has not conceded a goal. How long will that last?

Why is Miracle Ministries so woefully under-prepared for this league?

[Tallman]

Fatima striker Jonathan Mason fractures leg, out for SSFL season
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

Fatima College forward Jonathan Mason is expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) season after suffering a hairline fracture of his right fibula and tibia during his team's premier division match against Miracle Ministries Pentecostal High School in Mucurapo on September 14.

Playing their first game of the season, the reigning SSFL premier division champions stormed to an 8-0 win, but their afternoon was tainted in the 57th minute when Mason clutched his leg in pain after being struck by a follow-through in an innocuous-looking tackle. Fatima were up 3-0 at the time of the incident.

Fatima manager Stephen Williams said the 16-year-old Mason will be sidelined for two-three months. Williams said Mason's injury is a big loss for Fatima, as they were expecting the former national under-15 player to kick on after his debut season last year.

In Fatima's run to the premier division crown in 2023, Mason scored five league goals, and his pace and directness was the highlight of his game. In 2022, Mason's brother Joshua Mason scored the winning goal as Fatima won the national intercol title.

"I will describe it as a totally unfortunate act," said Williams.

He said scans were done at the West Shore Medical Private Hospital.

"This injury will definitely affect us. (Jonathan) was one of the main strikers coming into the season. We will miss his speed and innovation."

Prior to the start of the season, Williams said Fatima were targeting all four titles on offer. And with the National Gas Company (NGC) Super Cup title already in the bag, Williams said the team now has the added motivation to win trophies for the injured Mason.

"We want to dedicate the season to him. He's one of the good, young players and he would have been a fixture in the team this year."

Forwards Josiah Gobin and Caden Trestrail netted a brace for Fatima in their drubbing of the newly promoted Miracle Ministries team.

From 3.30 pm on September 18, Fatima's attacking depth will be tested when they host unbeaten south powerhouse Naparima College on Mucurapo Road.

[Deeks]

CIC coach, Mike Grayson resigned after 3 games of the season. In the wired868 article, he said that he has experienced total disrespect from the Saints football committee.

[Tallman]

Fatima, 'Naps' battle to thrilling 1-1 draw in SSFL
T&T Express

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS Fatima College stood up to a proper testing in the Secondary Schools Football league (SSFL) when playing out a thrilling 1-1 draw against Naparima College, at Mucurapo Road, yesterday.

Thus, both teams remain unbeaten. "Naps" now have seven points, having recorded 3-2 wins over East Mucurapo and Trinity East. Meanwhile, Fatima are on four points while having played a match less, having earlier routed Premier Division debutants Miracle Ministries Pentecostal 8-0.

Yesterday's match saw both teams having periods of control. Naparima bossed the first half and led through Darius Procope's close-up header in the 41st minute, but could have had a few more as well.

Never-say-die Fatima came alive after the interval, particularly in the final 20 minutes and equalised in the 85th minute when Luke Correia manoeuvred between two defenders and poked the ball past Naparima custodian Tyrece Romain.

Still, "Naps" could have sealed full points late and it was only the post which saved Fatima, after a shot from long-range struck the upright in the 89th minute.

Fatima looked more open than they had been at any time over the last two seasons, when they were league runners-up in 2022 and last year when they won it all. But it was Naparima who opened them up, the work put in by the new coaching staff of former nationals Reynold Carrington and Densil Theobald being very obvious.

"Three points lost," lamented Carrington at the end. "We should have gone on at an earlier point in the game. We had some chances that we should have put away to kill the game off."

He added: "I think in the last 15 minutes we lost the composure a bit. But all in all, it was a good fight. I think Fatima came alive in the second half, and we let it slip away from us."

Playing fast and aggressively, Naparima began taking control 20 minutes into the first half, following an intense opening period where both teams attempted to play good football. Consequently, the first good chance fell to Naparima, with striker Xarion France shooting wide following a cut-back from the overlapping Jaydon Capprietta.

"Naps" looked to have found the lead when France ripped the ball into the top of the net from inside the penalty area, only for the assistant-referee to raise his flag, after striker Akiel Vesprey, who had gotten an initial touch before France's finish, was found to be offside.

Naparima had another chance in the 36th minute when Jeremiah Rodriguez clipped the cross, after meeting Aaron Raymond's cut-back, and finally after all the pressure Fatima finally broke.

Still, it took goalkeeper Shamel O'Brien spilling the ball from a corner-kick to gift Procope the breakthrough headed goal. And before the half ended, Rodriguez also clipped Fatima's crossbar, after a square pass from the very energetic Aaron Raymond, who was everywhere in attack.

Fatima improved in the second half, after head coach Hutson Charles made several changes, including bringing on Michael Chaves, last year's MVP who has only recently recovered from a broken leg. It would take a lot for Naparima to keep up the pace and as they got tired, Fatima turned up the intensity in the final 20 minutes.

Correia tested Naparima goalkeeper Tyrece Romain from an angle, while Chaves shot straight at the keeper from a breakaway. And Correia finally restored parity with five minutes to go, racing between two defenders, meeting a long ball into the penalty area, and poking a low shot wide of the goalkeeper.

"I thought first half we were a bit flat. I think "Naps" had the better of us in the first half," stated Charles, adding, "Second half the guys came out with that energy, that intensity, and we could have won it down the end."

Charles credited fresher legs making a big difference, "seeing that Naparima was getting winded."

[Tallman]

Cornell Glen in, Grayson out at St Mary's College
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)

St Mary's College have appointed a star-studded cast, led by former 2006 World Cup striker Cornell Glen, to replace Michael Grayson, who stepped aside as head coach of their Secondary Schools Football League Premier Division squad following Wednesday's encounter with Miracle Ministries Pentecostal High School.

Glen was due to have an introductory meeting with the team yesterday.

His two assistants are Kona Hislop and Abdullah Phillips. Hislop, younger brother to former national keeper Shaka Hislop, is a former CIC standout and national youth team striker; while Phillips is a former Caledonia AIA striker who has already made a name for himself as Caledonia coach and was in charge of Naparima College for their final matches last season, following the departure of Travis Mulraine.

Having previously been attached to the T&T senior men's national team, Clayton Ince takes up duties as goalkeeper coach, and Roger Ryan is the new physio.

Grayson's last match in charge was on Wednesday. With the team without a win after two matches, a second half goal saw St Mary's edging the bottom-of-the-table clash with Miracle Ministries 2-1 and subsequently moving up to 11th in the 16-team table after getting their first points of the season.

St Mary's opened the season with a 6-0 thrashing from St Anthony's College, before following up with a 3-1 loss to Malick Secondary.

Having previously coached Arima North, St Augustine Secondary and Trinity College East, Grayson was in charge when CIC won promotion back to the Premier Division in 2022, having been relegated previously.

Calls to Grayson's phone yesterday went unanswered yesterday.

However, he had earlier issued a statement informing technical staff, parents and players of his decision to step down.

"Good morning to all players and technical staff members and parents, it is with a heavy heart that I am informing you that I will no longer be the coach of the CIC 1st XI team," stated Grayson, via WhatsApp.

Grayson claimed to have experienced "total disrespect" from the school's football committee. "This reached its peak last night in a conversation concerning today's session. As the longest serving coach in the SSFL, together with Trevor Spicer of El Do, disrespect is something I will not tolerate. My good friends, I wish you the best for the rest of the season," the message ended.

Damion Cooper, head of the football committee, confirmed Grayson's departure but would not comment further without permission from the school's principal.

However, a source close to the team, who preferred to remain anonymous, said the relationship between Grayson and the Football Committee had been tension-filled since last year, when Grayson resisted the appointment of a technical director.

"That is not a this-year problem. That started since last year," the source said.

Asked if the poor start to the season might have further heightened tensions between the parties, the source replied: "For sure!"

[Tallman]

St Benedict's on top
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)

JOSIAH OCHOA'S lone goal saw St Benedict's College win their South derby 1-0 over Naparima College at Mahaica Oval, propelling them to the top of the Secondary School Football League (SSFL) Premier Division after four rounds of matches.

Naparima and Presentation College San Fernando both tasted defeat for the first time in the league this season, after Fatima also won 2-0 over "Pres" at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium.

Unbeaten St Benedict's lead the table with ten points from four matches, followed by Arima North and Malick Secondary, both tied on eight points, while defending champions Fatima moved up to join Naparima on seven points, but have played a match less.

There were also first victories of the season for newly-promoted Miracle Ministries and St Augustine Secondary, 1-0 over Queen's Royal and St Anthony's College respectively. Trinity East also stopped San Juan North Secondary 2-1, for a first win of the season as well.

Meanwhile, Malick Secondary led 1-0 through Josante Duncan at the Arima Velodrome, before the home team, Arima North Secondary, pulled level to draw the top-of the table clash 1-1, following which Malick head coach Anthony Bartholomew said he was not shocked that his team was among the top three sides.

"I am not surprised at all," stated Bartholomew, "I expect to finish one, two, or three. I know the quality we have, and we will be coming at them."

At Serpentine Road, former national striker Cornell Glen saw St Mary's College weather an early storm, and with some luck came away with a 2-2 draw against Signal Hill.

Glen was on the bench for the first time after replacing former coach Michael Grayson, who stepped aside in midweek.

The Tobagonians were ahead after just four minutes, when Khaleem Trim struck from long distance. The home team could have been down three goals in the opening five minutes, had Antonio Hopkins put away two very good chances instead of hitting the side-netting.

Having survived, St Mary's were level just after the half hour mark through their captain Kyle Phillip, who found the far corner with a tame but accurate shot, when cutting in from wide-left.

Undaunted, Signal Hill could have still gone in ahead at the half, with Trim hitting the post, and Kyle James shooting into the side-netting.

"A point away from home is always a good point," stated Signal Hill head coach Downie Marcelle. But he noted, "the chances that we threw away in the first half."

St Mary's began the second half brightly and were fortuitously ahead at 2-1 in the 47th minute with captain Phillip tucking away a penalty. However, Signal Hill rallied to pull level at 2-2 in the 60th minute, with Hopkins, cutting in from the right and curling a shot to the far post. Both coaches were satisfied for different reasons.

Having had just one day to plug a defence that had leaked ten goals in three matches, Glen said he had worked primarily on defending and positional play.

"The boys were amazing today," stated Glen. "A lot of work to be done, but we got them to respond to what we wanted defensively and positionally."

Saturday's results:

St Mary's 2 (Kyle Phillip 2) Signal Hill 2 (Khaleem Trim, Antonio Hopkins)

Arima North 1 (Micha'el John) Malick 1 (Josante Duncan)

St Benedict's 1 (Josiah Ochoa) Naparima 0

Miracle Ministries Pentecostal 1 (Aaron Clement) QRC 0

Presentation Sando 0 Fatima College 2 (Levi Smith, Michael Chaves)

St Augustine Secondary 1 (Elijah Baptiste) St Anthony's 0

Trinity College East 2 (Khaleem Prince, Xavier Maricheau) San Juan North 1 (own goal)

East Mucurapo v Speyside postponed