Southern Football Association Thread

[Kingk]

from guardian.co.tt

The Southern Football Association’s 2005 season will open on Sunday with two matches— Icacos Youths versus Playaz and defending champions Petrotrin Sports Club against T&TEC—at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella.

The 16 teams listed to compete in the association this season will be involved in a parade to officially start proceedings at 2 pm, after which acting SFA president Roy Jagroopsingh will address the gathering.

FIFA vice-president and the T&T Football Federation’s special advisor, Jack Warner, as well as San Fernando Mayor Ian Atherly and Petrotrin CEO Malcolm Jones have been invited to the opening of South Trinidad’s most prestigious football competition.

The league competition will be played in two groups—the “North of the Creek” group, named after Leonson Lewis, which includes Moruga, San Fernando Giants, T&TEC Sports Club, Point Fortin Sports Club, Barrackpore United, Ste Madeline Strikers, Club Sando and Gasparillo Youths.

The “South of the Creek” group, named after Leroy De Leon, includes Penal All Stars, Palo Seco, Point Fortin Civic Centre, Icacos Youth Group, Playaz, Los Iros, Chris Marketing X-Men and Pele Pele La Brea United.

[Tallman]

New hope for football in South Trinidad
By Richard Braithwaite (Director of Development, CONCACAF)
Trinidad Guardian

The Southern Football Association 2005 season opened recently with a ceremony at the Petrotrin Sports Club in Pointe-a-Pierre.

President Rudolph Thomas revealed that 15 clubs will be playing a relatively small number for an association responsible for such a wide area.

However, when you consider that last year there were only 12 clubs, it appears that southern football is heading in the right direction .

It was not always like this. For decades football was a virtual religion in places like Point Fortin, Palo Seco and Fyzabad. As recently as 1992, the SFA boasted of 36 clubs. Some of the more outstanding players and coaches in the country came from the area.

Such was the rich tradition in football that began in the early half of the last century.

It is a history that is closely linked to the petroleum sector and it is markedly different from the history of sport in the north and east. Whereas the north had clubs with names such as Shamrock,Casuals,Notre Dame, Malvern, Maple, Sporting Club and Colts etc, many of the top clubs in the south were named after the oil companies operating in the area—UBOT, Shell, TPD, Texaco, Forest Reserve.

These pioneer oil companies also built many of the sporting facilities in the area, the philosophy being that sport was an important vehicle for community development.

Many of the workers in the industry in those early years came from outside the area so that it was necessary to provide recreational facilities, indoor and outdoor.

In his book, A History of Trinidad Oil, author George Higgins describes the role that sport played in the community relations of the early oil companies and he records that every encouragement, both financial and otherwise, was given to sports.

“Generally, sports grounds, equipment and club facilities were provided and the interest taken in the various organised sports gave ample proof of the value attached.”

Since then, there seems to have been a change in philosophy, especially in the latter half of the 1990s when levels of participation fell drastically. This change is perhaps most visible in the dilapidation that has been visited upon playfields like Mahaica Oval, Brighton Sports Ground, the Fyzabad Recreation Ground and Goddard’s Park.

If the crisis was confined to football as well as other sport, it would be bad enough, but unfortunately the decline extended to cultural activities as well.

As a result, several community steelbands disappeared during this same period, including Silver Harps, Nightingales, Sun Valley, while Blue Boy’s unknown band, Tornadoes, has seen better days.

Mind you, this is a region where a significant percentage of residents is under the age of 25 and where the level of youth unemployment is among the highest in the country. So someone could well ask, “If the youths are not employed, or in school and they are not involved in sports or cultural activities, then what are they doing?...”

Your guess is as good as mine, but the recent upsurge in violence by rival gangs in San Fernando offers a disturbing insight. Sport and culture are not the only solutions to juvenile delinquency, but when key components of a region’s social capital are inadvertently eroded, there are likely to be adverse consequences.

That is why it is good to see that the SFA is emphasising youth development as a major thrust of their 2005 programme and ,together with Petrotrin, they are seeking to reintroduce the Top of the Barrel community competition.

It was also good to see that one of the league divisions would be named after former national star Leroy de Leon.

Together with mercurial Warren Archibald, he remains a source of tremendous community pride, especially in Point Fortin and environs. Hopefully, the youth development programmes, along with Petrotrin’s support, will produce more players like them in the near future.

More than ever there is a need for vibrant community-based clubs with the technical, managerial and financial resources to capture and develop the abundant talent that abounds in south Trinidad.

These communities may be among the more depressed in the country, but they have assets and resources beyond the hydrocarbons that exist beneath the earth.

It is these very assets that can assist in alleviating many of the social ills that plague these communities and the wider society.

And while it is neither necessary nor desirable to return to the paternalism of the past, the petroleum sector should continue to develop more effective partnerships with the communities in which it prospers.

In so doing, it must be mindful of the history, values and traditions of the region and engage the talent and experience of the people.

The Petrotrin/SFA collaboration is good news for the long-suffering football fans in south Trinidad and they are hoping that the “glory days” will return in the shortest possible time.

[Tallman]

Football to add to village life
By Sheldon J. Yearwood (Trinidad Guardian)

“Our aim is to take football back to the communities and in some small way reclaim our land back from crime and lawlessness!”

So said Roy Jagroopsingh, First Vice President of the Southern Football Association at the formal opening of the 2005 football season yesterday.

“This season, we anticipate a very high standard of football and even a higher standard of discipline from all the teams on and off the field,” Jagroopsingh said.

With their flags, 11 of the 15 teams scheduled to play in the tournament paraded on the field.

The four teams not represented at the formal opening were Moruga FC, X Men, Barrackpore United and Penal All Stars.

A panel, headed by Jagroopsingh, and including Neville Ferguson of the T&T Football Federation, Jennifer Marryshow, who brought greetings from the Mayor of San Fernando, Ian Atherly, and ex T&T footballer, Leonson Lewis, inspected the teams before the start of the first match.

Lewis played in Portugal for a number of years and is a past pupil of Naparima College.

There are two divisions in the league, one named after Lewis, the other after Leroy de Leon, also a former national player of the l970s.

North of the creek teams are in the Leonson Lewis Division and south of the creek, the Leroy De Leon Division.

The clubs will be vying for the coveted Petrotrin Super league Trophy and a cash prize of $12,000.

The opener featured a double header, with Playaz FC from Point Fortin playing Icacos Youth, and Petrotrin playing T&TEC.

T&TEC trounced defending champs Petrotrin SC with goals coming from Karim Gibson(2) and ex-national footballer Nkosi Blackman, while Playaz beat Icacos Youth Group 3-1.

Apart from Petrotrin, all other teams are new to the league.

Results:

Playaz F.C 3 (Wendell Prescott, 33rd and 40th and Kevin Bartholemew, 87th) vs Icacos Youth Group 1 (Peter John Williams, 76th).

T&TEC S.C 3 (Karim Gibson, 36th and 57th and Nkosi Blackman 38th) vs Petrotrin S.C 1 (Nigel Hart 78th)

[Observer]

real glad to see this back in football. I remember going to watch Village Olympics and Point had Tony Douglas, Richard Suderland, Cave etc. Skinner Park ram up. Great days

[Rodney]

On ah negative note .... is sad to see Nkosi Backman dropping out the picture. Not long ago man was laudin him as the next T&T superstar.  It seems after he get mashup in that car, he never been the same. Thought he would be in Europe by now, not scoring goal fuh T&TEC FC, but doh get me wrong I ain't dissin the competition or teams.

[trinbago]

Mervyn Stewart


Sunday, July 16th 2006
 
 
THE 2006 season of the Southern Football Association (SFA) officially opens today with a parade of teams at the Palo Seco Velodrome from 2 p.m.

 This year will see a total of 17 teams participating, which is one more than last year, and once again they will be divided into two divisions.

 Teams located north of Mosquito Creek will play in the Leonson Lewis Division, while those south of the Creek will compete in the Leroy De Leon Division.

 The day's proceedings will begin with the parade of the teams and that will be followed by the opening remarks. Next on the agenda is a tribute to Winston St Clair, followed by another tribute, to none other than former "Strike Squad" defender Brian Williams.

 Then at 4 p.m. will be the first game of a double-header, which features the senior Fire Service (south) Football Club taking on Club Sando, while two hours later, Uprising Youths will do battle with Palo Seco Sports Club.

 Teams looking to continue where they left off last year are defending league champions Petrotrin Sports Club, League Cup winners Palo Seco Sports Club and Executive Cup title-holders Pele Pele.

 This Petrotrin-sponsored competition is one of the premier football tournaments in the southland and once again Petrotrin have shown their dedication and commitment to sports and youth development.

 The SFA and their organising committee have promised that fans can expect a bigger and better competition this year, with lot of prizes and giveaways on offer.
 

[FireBrand]

OWTU teams up with Southern FA
By: Shaun Fentes (TTFF).
 
The Southern Football Association, through its Centre for Excellence training programme formed a new partnership with the Oilfield Workers Trade Union and will be sending its first team on a overseas training camp to Suriname later this month.
This was all revealed at the launch of  the SFA�s Centre for Excellence 2007 program at Guaracara Park on Sunday in which President General of the OWTU, Errol McLeod made a cheque presentation worth $40,000 to the SFA for the running of its development program.
According to SFA President  Rudolph Thomas, the success of a youth development program by the national football association in the 1980s prompted the TTFF to conceptualize the present Centre for Excellence development programme. The aim of it is to teach the fundamental techniques to youth between the ages of seven and eighteen years.
�The success of the SFA�s Centre for Excellence is demonstrated in the significant number of participants who have gone on to represent their schools at the Primary and Secondary levels, graduated to National teams and to both local and foreign professional clubs as well as earned scholarships to tertiary institutions abroad,� Thomas said.
He added that the TTFF�s recent concentration on the technical development of coaches and players has prompted proposes further adjustments to the programme by the SFA which is also supported by Petrotrin.
�Our intention is to be the vanguard of the TTFF�s commitment to produce quality players to ensure that Trinidad and Tobago�s football maintains the world class status of our recent World Cup qualification,� the TTFF Vice President added.
He was also proud to reveal that an Under 17 team from the Centre for Excellence will go To Suriname to play matches. �Our players must start developing from young and must learn how to take a spit in yuh face and stay cool and continue playing the game,� he added in reference to facing international opposition from some other countries.
McLeod added that he felt his organization could make a contribution to society by aligning itself with the people�s sport through the SFA as the Union also set about in establishing a youth arm.
�We thought that we might identify with that (football). We see young people who we believe are serious and will continue to be disciplined and establish themselves as exemplars  of all youth in Trinidad and Tobago,� McLeod said.
�In 2006, this country and indeed the Caribbean was well represented by the Soca Warriorss and we applaud them again. Today we see young people who we believe can give us more excellence representation. Aim to be the best footballer, aim to be the best cricketer and above all aim to be the  best patriotic representative of Trinidad and Tobago,� Mcleod said, directing his statements at the young players present at the launch.
�We decided that we made a financial contribution to the development as we move towards World Cup 2010. In terms of corporate Trinidad and Tobago, our contribution is small and we demand that they make a contribution. Companies declare hundreds of millions of dollars in profit and the OWTU is coming after them to make contributions to football,� McLeod boldly stated.
The Southern Centre for Excellence team under technical director Muhammad Isa and head coach Kendall Crawford will depart for Suriname on March 29 and return April 5.
 

[rippin]

 

Somebody doing something.

[Deeks]

Super!!!!!1

[Tallman]

SFA on youth development drive.
T&T Newsday Reports.

The Southern Football Association (SFA) has embarked on a programme aimed at developing its youth and attaining international standards in the future.

It is being done through the use of the Centre For Excellence Programme (CFE) which has been creating a network with other similar regional and international programmes.

The Centre for Excellence programme visited the United States last year, through an Under-18 Boys team that competed in a tournament that was hosted by the Calvert Soccer Association.

The team also visited neighbouring Barbados, Suriname and Tobago with different aged-group teams.

It was said to have forged vital relationship ties and developing valuable networks.

The CFE programme provided players with the opportunities for exposure at international competitions well as allow players the chance to earn scholarships in the United States, among others.

According to the officials of the SFA, the programme has again been invited back into the United States.

They also revealed that a coaching staff of four from the American International College (AIC) has agreed to visit Trinidad and Tobago this month (December) to scout for talent for possible scholarships.

Southern Football Association yesterday insisted that the objective is to provide the necessary exposure to the elite players in the southland to playing conditions and standards that are similar to the US College Soccer circuit.

To achieve this SFA officials noted that the technical and tactical abilities of local players must be developed, if they are to be successful in achieving scholarships in the US.

The US staff selected players from an arranged quadrangular football tournament between Presentation College, San Fernando and Naparima College, the SFA Centre For Excellence team and a south Representative team.

[Tallman]

Brian Jordan announces his candidacy for President of the Southern Football Association
NLCL Media

A new day is dawning in �South Football�.

Many would remember the glory days of Mr John Alleyne and Mr Norris Ferguson, where the Southern Football Association (SFA) reaped the rewards of proper planning and execution. Back then, there were competitions for various age groups in youth football, and a senior football league with over 20 teams from the various communities across the zone.

In those days, the zone produced outstanding national talents like Leonson Lewis, Dexter Cyrus, Sean De Souza, Reynold Carrington, Anthony Sherwood, Ivan Sampson and countless many others.

Over the last two decades or more, stakeholders in southern football have seen a devastating decline in resources, opportunities and basic organisational needs. Many have been asking for change.

Recently, season after season there have not been any prizes�be it cash, trophies, medals or otherwise. Prior to Covid-19, the zone hosted its 2019 season, and participation plummeted to five teams starting the league, with only four finishing the season.

At its most recent SFA Annual General Meeting earlier this year, there was a quorum of only three teams. Added to this, there has not been either a youth football tournament or a women�s football league of any kind.

Mr Brian K Jordan would like to work with all stakeholders to positively transform the Regional Association.

In announcing his run for the SFA presidency, he stated: �As we collectively rebound from the prolonged Covid-19 shutdown, the time has come to hit the football reset and transform button in the South Zone. I strongly believe we must all work together strategically to get into youth (boys and girls) development mode, not only to improve the football product, but also to change and help young lives.�

He added: �As a businessman and coach, I am going to put together a top class team (Team Transformation) of quality individuals to move everyone forward together, and make the zone a footballing powerhouse again at all levels.�

Mr Jordan is the owner of Next Level Consulting Limited, and is well known nationwide as one of the primary sponsors and masterminds behind one of the largest private youth football tournaments in Trinidad & Tobago, the NLCL U19 Community Cup.

Mr Jordan and his organising committee started the charitable tournament in 2019, and it has successfully grown from ten teams in Trinidad to sixteen teams between Trinidad & Tobago. The tournament returns in December 2022, and he and his committee hope to expand the number of teams again at that time.

He currently lives in San Fernando with his wife and daughter, after growing up in the footballing hotbed of Point Fortin. He is the proud father of two children and grandfather of one.

Further, Mr Jordan attended Naparima College, where he captained the team in the late 1980s before attending Howard University in Washington, DC. He is the son of a former Point Fortin Civic Centre coach, and played for both Civic Centre and Point Fortin United under Neville �Coachie� Frederick and the late Dick Furlonge�before leaving these shores to go overseas.

He lived in the US for over 25 years, and since permanently returning to Trinidad in 2013, he has served as an assistant coach in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL), at St Benedict�s College, La Romain and at Presentation College, San Fernando.

He has also been a volunteer coach for seven years at the Dunstan Williams Soccer Academy, and currently coaches with the Union Hall United Football Academy�owned and operated by coach Dexter Cyrus.

In his spare time, Mr Jordan loves watching movies and football, spending quality time with his family, and meditating. Knowing and understanding the many challenges in the zone, some of the goals Mr Jordan (and Team Transformation) have set for a perspective first term would be as follows:

New and Improved Corporate Sponsorship

• Provide value add to sponsors and assist in building brand awareness
• Lower membership and registration fees
• Implement affordable payment plans for team membership and registration fees
• Provide all members with equipment stipend
• Distribute trophies, medals and cash prizes each season

More Opportunities for Focusing on Youth Development

• Design website and database to showcase highlights, and to allow online registration and tracking of teams, players, and match officials
• Develop and implement strategic partnerships with Futsal and Beach Soccer Associations
• Jumpstart Academy football league (primary school ages for boys and girls)
• Reinvigorate Secondary School aged football league (for boys and for girls)
• Initiate and expand new senior women�s football league
• Expand senior men�s football league to a minimum of fifteen teams in men�s league, with a focus on under 23 players, and a plan to expand within first term to twenty teams playing in two 10 team divisions.
• Create and staff a modern technical directorate to ensure global technical standards are provided to, and continuously reviewed or assessed for, all academies and clubs

Improve Communication, Transparency and Accountability

• Increase membership at all levels, age groups, and from every part of the zone
• Empower stakeholders to utilise technology allowing for more match viewership, as well as, transparency and accountability
• Circulate quarterly online newsletter designed to keep stakeholders fully informed of opportunities, ongoings and new initiatives
• Provide financial statements to members every six months

Moving Forward Together � An Ongoing Empowerment Agenda

• Ensure Skinner Park is a hub and home of the Regional Association
• Recruit and support the continued training and internship of new coaches, administrators, groundspeople, and match officials
• Reinvigorate the Centres for Excellence program
• Provide fair compensation to match officials and ensure payments are made in a timely manner
• Work with the TTFA to ensure constitution is reviewed and updated to empower and maximise community and team participation, and to maintain support and interest in a progressive development agenda each year
• Investigate feasibility of payment plan and/or insurance plan for medical, nutritional and psychological treatment of registered stakeholders, including players, coaches, match officials and administrators
• Assist stakeholders to develop sponsorship letters, fundraising strategies, and financial planning tools for individuals requiring urgent assistance, as well as, their organisations
• Setup Holiday hamper drive to assist needy youth and stakeholders
• Design a career pathway from youth football to senior football to coach / match official / administrator
• Setup scouting combines, certification programs, and partnerships/relationships with universities, and professional teams (overseas and locally)

All of this would just be the beginning of positively transforming the zone.

Mr Jordan added: �After final confirmation of the best quality people for the election slate, we will finalise a detailed strategic plan so that all stakeholders can review and provide their feedback on all priorities and ideas.

�This is not about one man. I�m a businessman, have played the game, have been a captain and still love to coach. It�s never about one man, it will always be about having the best team of people.�

He concluded: �If we are lucky enough to gain the trust of the football community in the South Zone and win the election, then all stakeholders will be invited to be a part of our team. Together we know and trust that we can move mountains and help our young people and stakeholders to successfully achieve their fullest potential.�

[Tallman]

Introducing Team Transformation � Ready to re-invigorate and re-energize the Southern Football Association
Press Release

The Southern Football Association (SFA) is expected to have its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in March 2023 with a membership vote due at that time to elect new Executive leadership. Based on its existing Constitution, persons elected at that AGM would serve a four-year term. The SFA is one of the regional stakeholder bodies with membership within the Trinidad & Tobago Football Association (TTFA). The regional body is currently led by President, Mr. Richard Quan Chan, with General Secretary, Ms. Alexandrine Procope.

As previously announced, one of the people who will be vying for leadership in the upcoming election is Mr. Brian K. Jordan, Chairman of the NLCL Community Cup and Coach at the Union Hall United Football Academy. Mr. Jordan will lead a slate called, Team Transformation, in the election. The Team Transformation slate will be focused on youth development initiatives, increasing sponsorship and financial support, expanding membership participation in leagues and committees, and many other growth directed areas.

For over a year, the Team Transformation slate has been meeting with regional teams and youth academies. During that time, they have visited or spoken with almost every football team and youth academy within the regional association boundaries. As part of that outreach, the various teams and youth academies would have presented many great ideas, affecting various areas of interest. They also would have raised some serious concerns, and the Team Transformation slate has used many of the ideas from stakeholders to draft a viable strategic plan to get the association back to the pinnacle of local football.

Mr. Brian K. Jordan and his team are committed to working with all stakeholders to positively transform the Regional Association. He stated, �I am pleased to announce that we are ready to help right away if we are lucky enough to be chosen by the membership.�  He added, �We have a team of people dedicated to the sport and to the stakeholders at all levels. We are pleased to be introducing the slate to the valued SFA members and stakeholders.�

Team Transformation will include the following persons (and roles):

�         Mr. Brian K. Jordan (President / Women and Girls)

�         Mr. Kirwin Weston (First Vice President)

�         Mr. Jefferson George (Second Vice President & Technical Director)

�         Mr. Jaghernath Goolcharan (P.R.O)

�         Ms. Anita Sennon (Administration)

�         Mr. Andy Smith (Health, Safety and Security)

 Point Fortin born and bred, Mr. Jordan is a business owner, licensed football coach and founder of the NLCL Community Cup and the associated annual Holiday Hamper Drive, which benefits many of the at-risk youth footballers across Trinidad & Tobago. The national tournament is played at Under 19 level and soon will expand to the Under 15 age group. He is a former Assistant Coach in the SSFL, manager and assistant coach in the Pro League system, and is still a Coach at the Union Hall United Football Academy, which is located in the San Fernando area. He will be responsible for expanding the sponsorship base of the regional body, growing the membership base, increasing opportunities for women and girls, as well as, ensuring each stakeholder is included in the growth and development plans being implemented.

Mr. George hails from Princes Town and is the current President of the United Football Coaches of Trinidad & Tobago, which is the newest member of the TTFA. He holds many coaching and academic certificates and diplomas, including from the KNVB (Dutch license). He is also a seasoned coach within the SSFL, the Pro League, and highly decorated past player. He understands the need to standardize and create more technical developmental structure for our coaches and player pool within the association. He will work with the Executive, members and stakeholders to create a new Technical Directorate ensuring all academies and teams have specific and achievable standards and targets.

Prior to now, Mr Goolcharan has proudly served as a TTFA and FIFA Match Official. As part of the Team Transformation Board of Management slate, he will be tasked with helping to formulate strategies to assist in the recruitment of new match officials. As part of his duties, he will also help the current match official hierarchy in the zone to ensure SFA match officials are receiving the resources they need and that they are fairly treated, thereby helping to improve the quality standard in the zone.  He will also function as the Public Relations Officer for the Management body.

Ms. Sennon is currently a seasoned administrator with one of the established football teams within the regional body. She will ensure that all meetings and transactions are properly documented and available electronically to members, upon request. In addition, all teams and academies will receive updated rules and regulations for any leagues or tournaments run by the SFA. As an experienced member of the Trinidad & Tobago Fire Service, Ms. Sennon will also be able to help in implementing a new and much needed Health, Safety and Security Standing Committee. Such a committee would oversee building relationships with medical service providers allowing for more affordable pricing for treatment of SFA members.  She would also help with initiatives like the Holiday Hamper Drive, further seeking to assist and improve the quality of the off-field lives of SFA stakeholders.

Mr. Weston has been a steward of the game working within the Barrackpore community for many years. He is a University graduate and licensed coach and will be helping to implement many new Information Technology initiatives, inclusive of social media and online registration of teams and players. His background will also serve well as he engages in setting up competitions and framework for youth development in the zone.

Mr. Smith, is currently a resident of Moruga and is currently a licensed coach at Moruga F.C. He is a former Match Official and is now a serving member of the Trinidad & Tobago Police Service. He will be the Chairman of a New Health, Safety and Security Committee to be implemented under the slate, once successful. The Covid pandemic would have created an awareness of the need to be prepared and Mr. Smith will be able to work with Ms. Sennon and the membership to craft policies, procedures and protocols for effective management of health, safety and security in the zone.

Knowing and fully understanding the many challenges in the zone, Mr. Jordan and the other members of Team Transformation have already drafted a strategic plan for review by the membership, once they are elected by the membership. Team Transformation fully believes that by working collaboratively with football teams, youth academies, match officials and other stakeholders, every strategic plan element can be improved, prioritized and achieved.

 
For More Information: Mrs. Germaine Jordan, Media Officer (868) 778-4261

[Deeks]

Good Luck, Brian!!!

[Tallman]

Jordan promises football for all as SFA election nears
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian)

Brian Jordan, organiser of the Next Level Consultant Ltd (NLCL) Under-19 and U-15 youth football tournaments, will be making a strong bid for the presidency of the Southern Football Association (SFA) when the annual general meeting (AGM) and elections take place at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella on Thursday (April 27) from 7.30 pm.

Backed by an equally strong team of Kirwin Weston (first vice president), Jefferson George (second vice president) and other hardworking members such as Anita Sennon, former FIFA referee Jaghernath Goolcharan and Andy Smith, the team promises to bring back the crowds and the zeal that once signified the sport in the southland.

They will be up against a team led by Eddison Dean, a former Super League vice president who will again contest the position of second vice president of a slate being headed by businessman Dennis Latiff.

Latiff was the man behind the sponsorship of the Tiger Tanks Under-20 Championships. He will have on his team the former �Strike Squad� goalkeeper Michael Maurice as the secretary (administration), Aldwyn Williams (secretary operations) and Joseph Rooplal who will contest the position of public relations officer.

Yesterday, Jordan told Guardian Media Sports of his plans, saying: �We are building from a base because for years the SFA has gone backwards, but I know the folks there, the incumbents, have been trying their best, but in spite of that, we�ve had lowering numbers in terms of participation, lowering numbers in terms of energy and enthusiasm, so we expect to bring that back, much like we have done with the NLCL tournament.

�The NLCL tournament has been around since 2019 and we�ve built from 10 teams to 16 at the Under-19 level, and from nothing to 14 teams at the U-15 level, so we expect to do the same at all levels with the SFA, youth football, women and girls and senior football, so we are excited.�

According to Jordan, as the owner of his own company, they will seek to make investments in the sport in the southland.

�Clearly the SFA, until recently, has not paid out any prize monies to teams that have put out energies. Certainly, at the end of a season, you want to be rewarded, so we are putting things in place to ensure that there will be prize-giving ceremonies and awards and so on.

�Funding is coming in and NLCL is our company, so we would certainly want to invest.

�To pull off a victory, we have to rely on the members agreeing that we are the better choice, and so we have been talking to them, we�ve been having online meetings, bringing folks from the USA online to talk to them about how we get our youths outside in terms of youth cups and so on over there.

�We�ve been talking about how we work in a post-covid environment, so the teams know we�ve been kind of embedded with them.

�We believe in bottom-up development versus a lot of folks who believe in top-down. Anything that is top-down has a tendency to not be as stable, we all know about the pyramids in Egypt, they are bottom-up development.

�We believe in building pyramids, that�s what we are planning to do and I think we have a strong chance to do that.�

Jordan concluded by saying there has not been youth football in the SFA for quite some time now: �So yes, we would jump in right away and bring in academy football. We have girls� and women�s football which we haven�t had ever and certainly, we will have age-group football along with senior football, once we get in there.�

[Tallman]

Football returns to Skinner Park as SFA opens season on June 25
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian)

Football will return to Skinner Park in San Fernando on June 25 after many years, when the Southern Football Association (SFA) opens its 2023 season with a grand marchpast and exhibition game.

Since refurbishment works halted activities at a facility considered to be one of the major sports facilities in the Southland, the football field is set to be used again but on a smaller scale.

New president Dennis Latiff said the plan is to play an exhibition match at the facility.

However, recent changes in the dimensions of the field have moved it away from being of standard FIFA regulations.

Latiff, who defeated Brian Jordan in an election on April 29 for the post of president of southern football, said they have been checking the facility to determine how the game can be played there. �It maybe will have to be played on a smaller scale,� Latiff said.

The opening will feature 16 senior division teams, as well as other teams in the under-13, under-15, and under-17 divisions, all involved in a Marchpast parade.

The format of the tournament is also still being worked out, but Latiff said the senior division will comprise two groups of eight teams each.

From a round-robin play-off, either the top two teams will advance to the semifinals or the top four teams will progress to a quarterfinal play-off. �All these things are being worked out right now. We are planning to have 144 matches in the senior division this season. We will also have individual prizes for players and different competitions.�

�We are also putting things in place for a Women�s League in the southland. That league may not come out this year, but we have a team of people comprising Dernelle Mascall, the former national women�s coach, Preston Nanan, Mohan Persad and Alywyn Ferguson, all putting that in place. It�s unlikely we will have any competition among the women this year but would put things in place for a start next year,� Latiff explained.

The local football boss was expected to meet with Robert Hadad, chairman of the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee to discuss what is or what can be available for southern football this year.

He did not release information about the prize structure, saying it is currently being worked out.

According to Latiff, his association�s focus will be channelled toward overall development. He noted that work is being done to ensure that all teams are fully compliant according to the T&T Football Association and CONCACAF and that his senior division will be aligned with the T&T Super League or Tier 2, or Tier 1 of the T&T Premier Football League to ensure that there is constant progress among the teams.

[Tiresais]

So did this season get opened? It's depressing how badly reported on the regional leagues are

[Tallman]

Referees Strike: South, Central Zone football referees demand more money, better security
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)

TWO weeks after kicking off its 2023-2024 season at Skinner Park, not a match has been played in the Southern Football Association (SFA) competition. Match officials from both the Central and Southern Football Association have refused to work, demanding more money and better security arrangements.

When elected new SFA president in April, Tiger Tanks Limited general manager Denis Latiff had promised a revival of the Association�s competition, which had shrunk to just a few competing clubs. So frustrating now has been this situation with match officials, that Latiff is considering alternative arrangements to get his competition going.

Latiff whose company Tiger Tanks also sponsors the Secondary Schools Football League, stated that the match officials wanted a security presence at matches, which he agreed to, by having police present. But according to Latiff, the major concern is that the refs are demanding more money.

�I think the refs� main contention is the money,� he stated. �We still trying to work with them, but they not working with us.�

Contacted yesterday, Lisa Bramble, chairperson of the South Zone of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Referees Association (TTRFA), indicated a preference to refer the matter to the Southern Football Association.

Commenting briefly, Bramble said: �SFA and South Zone are in key negotiations towards the 2023 league season. We have put a proposal to SFA and I am awaiting a response.�

Meanwhile, TTRFA president Osmond Downer confirmed to the Sunday Express that zonal referees operate independently and any strike is currently restricted to only the South and Central zones.

�Each Zone has its own independent executive,� Downer stated, while adding: �The North Zone is proceeding with its negotiations and so is the East Zone.�

According to a source, the South referees were demanding as much as a $200 increase, moving match fees to $650. However, Latiff was willing to offer $550, which was flatly rejected, although football at the SFA level is played on an amateur basis.

Latiff preferred not to disclose details of his negations with the South referees body, but hinted that he is exploring other avenues to get his competition started, including using referees from the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), rather than the TTRFA, the traditional, but independent body. Clubs too, have formulated the idea of providing their own match officials, something done in the past when official match officials failed to show up for games.

Latiff stated that he has to find a balance between pleasing officials, clubs, footballers while meeting other costs such as venue rentals, including Skinner Park, which he has had to pay for, although at a reduced rental fee.

�We now start back the football since Covid and so on, so, money is scarce,� Latiff said. �We not getting no help from the TTFA at all. The Association say they have no money to assist us.�

Latiff disclosed that operational costs had been high and so far, sponsorship has been small.

�I wanted to start that football in Skinner Park. That is the mecca of football in South,� he said. �I have to think about the players too. They want too, although I got uniforms for them.

�We really want to get football back on the go,� Latiff stressed. �I guess not everybody want to commit. They only see things their way.�

[Tallman]

South, Central zonal referees: There's no strike, only negotiations
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday)

Contrary to previous reports, referees officiating in the southern and central football associations are not on strike.

This was confirmed by chairperson of the southern referees association Lynda Bramble-Thompson and central zone referee Oswald Myers on Monday.

Both match officials denied recent claims that their zonal referees were staying away from matches for various reasons.

Bramble-Thompson and Myers said that both the Southern Football Association (SFA) and Central Football Association (CFA) are in negotiations with match officials to chart a reasonable way forward.

Bramble-Thompson chose to clear the air after it was reported by another daily newspaper on Sunday, that SFA referees refused to work �demanding more money and security arrangements�.

These statements were made by SFA president and Tiger Tanks Limited general manager Denis Latin.

However, she denied the claims and said a possible resolution could come within the next two to three days.

�The referees are not striking and I don�t know why Mr Latiff has indicated that. We are in negotiations with the SFA as I said. We have sent them a proposal and were awaiting a response I guess. They promised to get back to us after tomorrow (Tuesday) when they have meetings with all their stakeholders.�

Bramble-Thompson confirmed that she is not affiliated, in any way, to the TT Football Referees Association as claimed in the newspaper report.

�We are part of the TTFA referees department. SFA promised to get back to us so we�re waiting to see,� she added.

Similarly, Myers said that they are also in negotiations with CFA but referees are still doing their job.

�Central referees are not on strike. As it is now, we are locked in negotiations with the CFA with respect to stipends. This is for the CFA zonal football.

We�re still furnishing the CFA Youth League. Up to Sunday we had games there and referees were there officiating. We are up and functional.� Myers said.

Newsday attempted to contact Latiff for a response via phone call but was unsuccessful.

The newspaper report also said that Latiff believes money is the issue but courtesy of high operational costs and �no help from the TTFA�.

[Tallman]

Football in South by the hook or the crook�Latiff
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian)

�By the hook or the crook, football will be played in the Southern Football Association (SFA) this season.�

This was the assurance given by Dennis Latiff, the new president of the Southern Football Association (SFA), after referees demanded an increase in match fees from $450 to $650 for their service, owing to high travel and increase cost of living. They are also asking for security to be provided for each match.

The SFA boss told Guardian Media Sports yesterday that he can only pay $550, which is an increase of $100. So far, he has funded the entire League which started on June 25, inclusive of the youth and senior competitions single-handedly, and he has also provided each club in the senior division with uniforms, three match-balls, and goalkeeping gloves, and no registration fee was charged.

He said it�s not that he does not want to give the increase to the referees, but he cannot make it at this point. �That arrangement can be made for next year,� said Latiff.

Guardian Media Sports attempted to reach out to referee assessor Linda Bramble-Thompson for comment but calls to her phone went unanswered.

However, Latiff explained that his executives are scheduled to meet tonight with more than 16 clubs of the zone at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium from 6 pm to get feedback on a request by the referees for them (the clubs) to pay the balance of $100, which is when the SFA pays the $550. Latiff said he doesn�t believe the clubs should be given any financial burden, having just come out of a pandemic that grounded sports for three years.

The Tiger Tanks general manager, who is known as an action-man, has given the assurance that football will be played this season, �by the hook or the crook�.

In the youth competition in the zone, more than three rounds of matches have been played already, due to clubs bringing their own linesmen and referees. Latiff said he has been working on a contingency plan which will soon be known.

Following a three-year period of no football action due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Latiff and the SFA�s focus have been set on getting back participation in the sport. And they have also been boosted by the willingness of the clubs to provide their own officials (referees and linesmen) for matches.

Latiff said he will continue to negotiate with the referees to have the situation sorted out, saying he hopes that the referees can meet them halfway.

In the sister isle of Tobago, football has not been hampered, despite referees being paid $500.

In the Central Football Association (CFA), however, only football in the youth competitions is being played, first vice president Allan Logan said. �The CFA negotiated a price for the youth leagues before the referees agreed to ask for more money.�

Unlike in the south zone, the CFA is being asked to pay $600 per match, which is an amount that Logan said they cannot pay presently, as it was the amount they had put in their budget to their sponsor�Ascension.

�I do not have an issue with the referees asking for more money, because of the high cost of living, but they should have given us some time. For instance, had they requested that before, we could have put things in place,� Logan explained.

The CFA too, has been sheltering its clubs from the burden of forking out too much money this season. Logan said the clubs had to be given a three-month period to pay a registration fee of $2,100 to play because they could not come up with the full amount at once.

In addition to the registration fee, the clubs also had to fork out $1,000 each for club membership.

The board will meet this week to decide on contingencies to go forward. However, Logan said, he is hoping that good sense will prevail in the interest of the sport and the people involved.

[Tallman]

Matters "resolved" between referees and Southern FA
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday)

All matters have been resolved between the Southern Football Association and its referees.

So said chairperson of the southern referees association Lynda Bramble-Thompson following a meeting with referees, stakeholders and SFA president Denis Latiff, on Wednesday.

The meeting was held to finalise negotiations between the SFA and its referees to chart a way forward.

Newsday spoke to Bramble-Thompson briefly on Thursday, via WhatsApp, to find out what was the meeting�s outcome.

She responded, �Actually we just concluded a meeting. All matters have been resolved. A written agreement will be sent to the referees tomorrow (Thursday) regarding the standard operating procedures which they expect.�

Up to press time, no additional information was forthcoming from Bramble-Thompson.

On Tuesday, Bramble-Thompson rubbished claims that referees from her zone were on strike and preventing local tournaments from kicking off.

Central zone referee Oswald Myers also confirmed that Central Football Association referees were not on strike and also locked in negotiations with the association. Up to press time on Thursday, confirmation was not given if both parties had reached an agreement. 

[Deeks]

Man this is what South football has come to

[Tallman]

South stand-off...Referees down tools again
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)

THE imbroglio between the newly elected Southern Football Association (SFA) executive and South football referees took a downward turn over the weekend, when the match officials failed to turn-up, leading to the cancellation of all matches.

�This weekend gone it didn�t have any (football) because they (referees) withheld their services,� SFA president Denis Latiff reported. �Referees adamant they do not want to sign any contract or anything at all.�

Former international referee Lynda Bramble-Thompson, representative of the South officials, confirmed that South referees had withheld services on the weekend and the parties were due to meet again. However, Bramble�s view of the issue conflicted with that off Latiff.

�Last weekend, I got a call from Mr Latiff stating that he was not pleased with the performance of the referees and he was not willing to pay the increased fees. So, I met with my executive and we decided that if he did not want to pay the increased fee, then the referees will be withholding services.�

Bramble added, �But I must say that all fees for the month of July were paid by SFA.�

Subsequent to the referees withholding their services, the two bodies met on Monday night, without finding a solution and are due to meet again. The latest fall-out stems from the failure of the South football referees� body to sign a contract, apparently in disagreement with some of the stipulations contained within.

The issue began more than a month ago, when referees demanded a $200 match fee from the new SFA executive. They also required additional security at venues. Latiff agreed to a $100 increase, thus offering a $550 match fee. As a result, the senior football season was halted, and although beginning recently, it was stopped again last weekend.

COMPENSATION DISAGREEMENT

Latiff explained that to get the league going, the SFA had relented and agreed to the referees� demand for increased match fees of $650, but he said the officials have refused to sign a contract, which contains a stipulation requiring them to pay compensation if they fail to turn up for matches.

�They don�t want to sign off on that,� Latiff said. �We wanted to play the games, so we gave the increase to them. I paid them the $650 they wanted for a game up to July 31, but they never got back to us (with the signed contract) after that. We called them, but was excuses.

Latiff added: �We made the agreement to their terms. We signed it, we sent it to them. They never returned it signed, and it was to their terms; just because they don�t want to sign anything. If football has to go forward the referees have to understand they have to be disciplined too.�

Some SFA matches are played at remote venues, affecting the cost of transport for both clubs and officials.

Latiff said that introducing the compensation stipulation was based on past complaints about South officials being inconsistent, and some, if not all, failing to turn up at matches. Therefore, the SFA included certain stipulations in the contract offered to the officials, requiring that all turn up to work.

�We want to ensure that the referees are going to come to the matches; not when yuh want $650, you come or when one doh want to come, he doesn�t,� Latiff explained: �We have a schedule and we want to make sure that the referees also stick to the schedule.�

�They don�t want to sign off to that,� the SFA president declared. �They said they wanted more money, then, they have to ensure that all referees come to the game.� When officials fail to turn up, Latiff said that teams had always had to bear the cost.

�Teams complained they have to pay maxi and so on to come to matches, and when they reach the venue, there are no officials. Who is going to compensate them?�

�We are telling them (referees) that if they don�t come out, they will have to repay the teams; so, they don�t want to sign the contract.�

�They (refs) have told me they want compensation if they reach down there and teams don�t come, which I understand fully. I said no problem,� Latiff related. �But if you want certain compensation guarantees, then you must be prepared to give compensation if you don�t come either. They prefer to have everything for themselves.�

[Tallman]

Samba Boys edge Moruga FC in SFA clash
By Vidia Ramphal (TT Loop News)

Samba Boys beat Moruga FC 3-2 at the Grand Chemin Recreation Ground on Saturday in the Southern Football Association.

In a match featuring two teams composed of players from the Moruga area, Samba Boys dominated the early phase of the game and duly went ahead in the 22nd minute through a strike by veteran striker Irwin Williams.

However, the home team equalized five minutes later as Jesse Edwards beat the last defender with a brilliant turn and slotted past Moruga FC custodian Kevin John.

Samba Boys got back into the lead as Williams strode through the Moruga defence to slot home his season for a 2-1 scoreline.

Ryan Davis put the Samba Boys 3-1 ahead, curling in a free kick from outside of the left side of the box.

Edwards kept Moruga FC in it with 10 minutes still to play, however, the home team could not find a way back to get a share of the points.

Samba Boys assistant coach Anthony Quashie, who led St Madeleine Secondary to the Championship Division in 2022, was pleased with the victory.

"The game was a bit hard-fought because we allowed the team to get into their element a little too much and it ended a little too close in the end," he told LoopTT.

"(Williams) is my old veteran. He put in two beauties today for us," Quashie added.

Quashie said that Samba Boys, who have won both their previous matches without conceding a goal, would deal with their defensive errors in the match during upcoming training sessions.

"I would like to see a bit more togetherness. The team is fit enough but we will keep pushing and keep going again," Quashie said.

Quashie led the team in the absence of head coach Desmond "Darko" Bailey was unavoidably detained in a flooded roadway on his way to the match on Saturday.

The Southern Football Association, plagued with recent disputes with the referees' representative body, provided officials Dennis Changiah (referee), Trevon Pascal, and Raj Harding (assistant referees) for the match.

[Tallman]

Union Hall win SFA U15 title, complete unbeaten season
By Vidia Ramphal (TT Loop News)

Union Hall beat Ste Madeleine Strikers 3-1 in the finals of the Southern Football Association (SFA) U15 Championships on Sunday at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium training field.

The San Fernando team, coached by former Trinidad and Tobago striker Dexter Cyrus, went ahead through the coach's son, De Josiah Cyrus, in the 4th minute.

Union Hall dominated the early exchanges and only went 2-0 up in the 22nd minute through Triston Nicholas after Strikers spurned an excellent chance to equalize.

Cyrus notched his double in the 67th minute with a thunderous drive from outside the area before Strikers top-scorer Josiah "Coco Boy" Williams pulled a goal back in the 72nd minute.

There was no further scoring in the last eight minutes with Union Hall running out 3-1 winners to take the SFA U15 title and remain unbeaten for the season.

Union Hall won four of their six matches for the season with two drawn matches.

"I think we played pretty well during the game and I appreciate the game being played at a neutral venue with officials today," Cyrus told LoopTT.

"SFA really came through for us they brought referees, linesmen and I think that the game was done pretty well on the officiating side, and some good football was played," he added.

Cyrus was proud of his team's effort for the season, and spoke about the formation of the club, which is almost a decade old,

"This club came into existence in 2014. I actually formed a club to get friends for my sons to play with and it turned out that we had a lot of boys who were very much interested in football in the community. That's how this club was formed," the former national player said.

"We also have boys on the National High Performance U15 team so congratulations to them," Cyrus added.

The former United Petrotrin and Police FC striker said the title win was great for the community of Union Hall.

"It's a really good plus for Union Hall which has never had a football team before or an academy. So the boys are reaping the rewards and it's a really good plus for Union Hall," Cyrus said.

Cyrus scored seven goals in nine matches for Trinidad and Tobago between 1994 to 1997, also scoring four times in a 5-0 win over Dominica in a Caribbean Cup match at the Queen's Park Oval.

Referee Adrian Koylass was assisted by Trevin Pascall and Richard Tang Lee for the match.

[Tallman]

Moruga/Tableland wins seventh straight in SFA
T&T Guardian

The trio of Quinn Rodney, Andy London and Trevon James scored two goals each as Moruga/Tableland Samba Youths thrashed #9 United 7-1 for their seventh straight win in as many matches in Group B of the Southern Football Association (SFA) Premier Division on Sunday.

Kerdell Pierre added the other goal for Moruga/Tableland to improve their points tally to a perfect 21 from seven matches, three more than Mascall Football Academy, while Jalon Pierre got the consolation item for #9 United who remained fifth on the eight-team table with seven points, the same as Moruga FC, and Dream Team.

In another key Group B match, Mascall Football Academy got a lone strike from Kiel Rebeiro to earn a much-needed 1-0 win over Dream Team to keep pace with Moruga/Tableland at the top of the standings and move three points ahead of Erin FC, who sits in the third and final �Big Six� qualifying spot on 15 points while Merikins Youth Academy picked up its first points this season in a win by default over Penal Is Love Youth Movement.

In Group A, Joash Baird, and Tequan Rodriguez were both on target to secure a 2-1 win for Pitchmen FC over Deportivo Point Fortin, to remain unbeaten and at the top of the table with 22 points from eight matches, while Deportivo who got its lone reply from Ezekiel Kesar slipped to fourth spot with 12 points, two points behind the duo of Point Fortin Civic Center, and Uprising Youths.

Uprising Youths had a comfortable 4-0 win over Newcomers with Amare Ettienne scoring twice and Daniel Diaz, and Isiah Mc Intosh, one each while Point Fortin Civic Center whipped Field of Dreams 4-2 led by a pair of goals from Akeem Redhead.

Omari Cobham and Kedell Phillip were also on target for Civic Center while Jamal Seepersad and Isiah Lammy netted for Field of Dreams, who suffered a seventh loss from as many matches in the process. Matches continue this weekend.

RESULTS

Group A:

Uprising Youths 4 (Amare Ettienne 2, Daniel Diaz, Isiah Mc Intosh) vs Newcomers 0

Pitchmen FC 2 (Joash Biard, Tequan Rodriguez) vs Deportivo Point Fortin 1 (Ezekiel Kesar)

Point Fortin Civic Centre 4 (Akeem Redhead 2, Omari Cobham, Kedell Phillip) vs Field of Dreams 2 (Jamal Seepersad, Isiah Lammy)

Group B:

Merikins Youth Academy 3 vs Penal Is Love Youth Movement 0

Moruga/Tableland Samba Youths 7 (Andy London 2, Trevon James 2, Quinn Rodney 2, Kerdell Pierre) vs #9 United 1 (Jalon Pierre)

Mascall Football Academy 1 (Kiel Rebeiro) vs Dream Team 0


STANDINGS

Group A:

Teams P W D L F A Pts

Pitchmen FC 8 7 1 0 39 7 22

Pt Fortin CC 7 4 2 1 30 15 14

Uprising Youths 7 4 2 1 18 7 14

Deportivo PF 8 4 2 2 28 14 12

Newcomers FC 7 2 2 3 14 19 8

Lion Heart 5 1 1 3 6 16 4

IBG Sporting Academy 3 0 0 3 0 19 0

Field of Dreams 7 0 0 7 5 43 0


Group B:

Moruga/Tableland SY 7 7 0 0 26 5 21

Mascall FA 7 6 0 1 18 3 18

Erin FC 7 5 0 2 19 6 15

Moruga FC 7 2 1 4 13 16 7

#9 United 7 2 1 4 17 25 7

Dream Team 8 2 1 5 10 20 7

Penal is Love Y.M 7 2 0 4 9 18 6

Merikins YA 8 1 1 6 7 27 4

[Tallman]

Pitchmen, Dream Team get double digit SFA wins
By Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian)

Pitchmen FC and Dream Team both recorded double-digit wins when matches in the Southern Football Association (SFA) Premier Division continued last weekend.

In Group A, Joash Baird scored a beaver trick and Nkosi Charles a hat trick to fire Pitchmen to a stunning 15-0 mauling of Field of Dreams for their eighth win in nine matches.

Terrique Rennie and Jordan Riley chipped in with braces for Pitchmen while the quartet of Akinola Gregory, Tyresse Montano, Aleequay Andrews and Omri Baird added a goal each in the victory as they moved to 25 points at the top of the eight-team Group A standings, ten ahead of Uprising Youths which was held to a 2-2 draw at home to fourth-placed Deportivo Point Fortin while Lion Heart was awarded a win by default over Newcomers.

In Group B, Jarelle Sutherland fired in a hat trick as Dream Team crushed Merikins Youth Academy 12-0 with Senbi Hart-Smith, and Ayche Saunders contributing a pair of goals each.

Aiden Sankersingh, Joshua Joseph, Malik Elliot and Richard Mohammed were also amongst the goals for Dream Team with Dexter Burke of Merikins adding an own goal to make matters worse for his team.

Despite the win, Dream Team remained outside the top three qualification spots to the �Big Six� with ten points and in the fourth spot on the standings, level with fifth-placed #9 United, 7-2 winners over Penal Is Love Youth Movement led by a treble from Maliki Clement.

Shakuile Williams fired in two goals in the win for #9 United and Jahbari Johnson and Akel Sanchez, one each while Holaster Brown and Ishmael Mathews scored one each in the loss.

At the top of the table with a maximum of 24 points from eight matches is runaway leader Moruga/Tableland who edged Erin FC 2-1 thanks to items from the in-form duo of Kerdell Pierre, and Quinn Rodney to cancel out Lewis Felix�s reply.

Mascall Football Academy, second with 19 points, dropped two valuable points in its chase of Moruga/Tableland after it was held to a 2-2 draw by Moruga FC.