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Offline Tallman

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2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« on: October 17, 2024, 11:11:14 AM »
Army head in 'different direction,' hire Densill Theobald as head coach
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

REIGNING T&T Premier Football League (TTPFL) First Citizens Knockout Cup champions Defence Force have appointed former Soca Warriors captain and Fifa 2006 World Cup player Densill Theobald as their new head coach on a one-year deal, with the option of an extension contingent on the team's performances.

Theobald, who coached T&T's under-14 boys' team at the Caribbean Football Union Challenge Series in T&T in August, was confirmed as the new Defence Force coach via a media release on October 15. The "highly experienced" Paul Lawrence was also announced as the Army/Coast Guard combination's technical director.

The former Defence Force coaching staff was spearheaded by Lloyd Andrews, with Hutson "Baba" Charles and Devin Elcock serving as assistant coaches. The trio led Defence Force to a pair of titles in the inaugural TTPFL season last year as the club won both the league and knockout trophies. On May 29, Defence Force defended their knockout crown when they earned a 3-1 win over 2023/24 TTPFL champions AC PoS at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo.

Defence Force finished third in the 2023/24 TTPFL campaign and were subsequently knocked out at the round of 16 stage of the 2024 CFU Club Shield by Dominican Republic's Club Atletico Pantoja in July.

Earlier this month, Charles told Newsday he, Andrews and Elcock were called to a meeting where they were told the club wanted to go "in a different direction."

Charles said the trio was thanked for their services by the Defence Force manager and the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Vice Marshall Darryl Daniel.

"There was nothing we could do about it," Charles said.

He said rumours had been swirling around beforehand, and he and his colleagues took the news of their departure in stride.

In addition to his role with T&T's under-14 boys' team, Theobald also assumed duties as Naparima College's assistant coach in the Secondary Schools Football League for the ongoing season.

On October 16, Defence Force's club director, Flight Lieutenant Ryan Ottley told Newsday, Theobald wasn't asked to relinquish any of his other roles and the club believes he's able to function effectively wearing multiple hats.

Ottley said the decision to part ways with the previous coaching staff was a "mutual understanding."

Ottley said, "the board of the Defence Force wanted to go in a different direction and the coaching staff accepted the decision and wished the team the best in its future endeavours."

Newsday contacted Theobald for comment, but calls went unanswered up to press time.

In an address to his new charges, Theobald said, "It's an incredible opportunity to lead Defence Force FC as head coach. I'm eager to bring my experience both as a player and a coach, to this talented group.

"My aim is to foster a strong team spirit, push our players to reach their full potential and uphold the proud tradition of the club. I look forward to the challenges ahead and working towards building a team that can compete at the highest level in football," the former Falkirk and Caledonia midfielder said.

The media release said Lawrence will be tasked with overseeing and implementing the club's football philosophy as they look to build a solid foundation for future success.

"With an outstanding track record in talent development and performance enhancement, Lawrence is set to play a critical role in advancing the club's long-term objectives," the release said.

Via the release, Ottley said, "this is an exciting new chapter for the club, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on our players and overall team dynamics.

"We're confident the leadership of Theobald and Lawrence will guide the team into the upcoming football season with a shared vision of success."
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Offline Tallman

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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #1 on: October 25, 2024, 05:10:51 PM »
New T&T Premier Football League season given tentative November 22 start date
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)


The 2024/25 Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) season has been given a tentative start date of November 22. This was confirmed to Newsday on October 24 by TT Football Association (TTFA) president Kieron Edwards.

The TTFA president said meetings will be held with TTPFL teams in the coming week to finalise the start date, fixtures and other arrangements for the third TTFPL campaign.

In 2023, the inaugural TTPFL league title was claimed by Defence Force, who also ran away with the knockout cup honours. In the subsequent 2023/24 season which spanned from November 2023-May 2024, Defence added more silverware when they copped the First Citizens Knockout Cup.

Defence Force defeated AC Port of Spain by a 3-1 margin to retain their TTPFL knockout crown, but the latter club had the last say in the league when they pipped Miscellaneous Police FC to the title.

Last season, a mixture of financial shortcomings and the need for administrative restructuring prevented stalwart clubs San Juan Jabloteh and W Connection from competing in the 2023/24 TTPFL season, with both teams opting to take a "sabbatical". Both teams had competed in tier one of the inaugural TTPFL season, with Jabloteh finishing eighth and W Connection finishing ninth on the 12-team table.

On October 24, Edwards told Newsday Jabloteh will be making their return to the TTPFL for the upcoming season.

Speaking to Newsday just after his team completed a training session on October 24, Jabloteh club director Phillip Fraser said the team is still looking for sponsorship, but they're optimistic of returning to the TTPFL for the 2024/25 campaign.

"Some of these (financial issues) are still relevant right now, but we're working through these challenges to try and re-enter the league," Fraser said.

"We want to be there (in the TTPFL). We're working on it. We have potential sponsors we're looking at."

Last November, as Jabloteh confirmed their withdrawal from the previous TTPFL campaign, Fraser said it was "painful" to see a club with such a rich history in T&T football bow out of active competition.

With Jabloteh chairman and American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) CEO Nirad Tewarie "working assiduously" behind the scenes, Fraser is confident of brighter days ahead and a return to the playing field for Jabloteh.

Fraser said as many as 30 players attended the October 24 training session, with young talents such as Trevis Byron, Dwight Jordan and San Juan North Secondary standout Lindell Sween among those vying for playing spots.
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Offline Tiresais

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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #2 on: October 26, 2024, 08:52:20 AM »
Excited! Is that Paul Lawrence who turned out for Superstar Rangers as a youth? I know he did some stuff with the TTFA, what else did he do before becoming technical director of one of the largest clubs?

Offline Tiresais

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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #3 on: October 26, 2024, 08:57:56 AM »
Also I saw that Molino signed for Defence Force - I thought the army required certain ranks to keep them - Does the hiring of Densil Theobald mean Ross Russel Sr. has another shot? :)

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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #4 on: December 21, 2024, 05:43:12 PM »
Brandon Semper lifts 10-man AC PoS past Club Sando
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)


Reigning Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) champions AC Port of Spain (six points) returned to winning ways on December 20 with a slender 1-0 victory against Club Sando at the Mahaica Sporting Complex, Point Fortin.

Reduced to ten men after the sending off of right back Liam Burns, AC PoS got their winning goal in the 60th minute when a right-side corner from full back Brandon Semper was deflected over the line by a Club Sando defender. Semper, a former national youth player, was credited with the goal which is his first of the season.

Despite the frenetic tempo the game was played at, Club Sando were unable to find an equaliser as they suffered their first loss of the season. Sando are ninth on the 12-team table, with the "Capital Boys" three places up to second ahead of the TTPFL matches on December 21.

In the second game of the Mahaica double-header, attacker Adica Ash scored the game's lone item in the 18th minute as Point Fortin Civic defeated Terminix La Horquetta Rangers by a 1-0 margin. It was Civic's first win in the young season and saw them climbing from 11th to eighth.

Meanwhile, Rangers slipped from ninth to tenth and are still in search of their first win in the 2024/25 season.
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Offline Tallman

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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #5 on: December 23, 2024, 03:26:16 PM »
Central FC win again, shut out Caledonia in Arima
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)


Former Pro League champions Central FC Reboot continued their unbeaten start to Tier One of the 2024-2025 Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League season with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Caledonia AIA last night at the Arima Velodrome.

The match brought together the surprise teams of the early season. Caledonia have been boosted by the signing of Daniel Cyrus, Carlyle Mitchell, Marcus “Lobo” Joseph, Guyanese winger Atta George, ex-Police playmaker Gabriel Nanton and won their first two matches, including a 1-0 victory over champions AC Port of Spain.

Meanwhile, the now Reboot-sponsored Central FC picked up players who migrated from Terminix La Horquetta Rangers: Daniel David, Kadeem Corbin, Ross Russell Jr, Tyronne Charles, Caleb Sturge, Atuallah Guerra, Jameel Antoine and John Paul Rochford, along with veteran Kevon “Showtime’ Woodley and Elton John.

Yesterday, there was almost an early surprise from Caledonia, when Nanton’s in-swinging corner almost caught out goalkeeper Levi Fernandez, who dived deep into his net to keep the ball out.

Having survived that early scare, Central FC and began to assert themselves. “Showtime” Woodley should have done better when shooting close enough for goalkeeper Alfredo Alvarez to touch away his low shot in the tenth minute after the striker was found free and wide in the penalty area. He should have scored.

Central defender Malik Mieres was also in the right place following a set-play but did not get the angle right and only hit the post twice in quick succession near the half hour mark. But after several good efforts by the Cuban Alvarez to keep a free-kick out,

Woodley finally headed in the opening go to give the “Sharks” the lead in first half added-on time.

Early play in the second half saw a couple of scares across the Caledonia AIA goalmouth, but it was the Morvant-based squad that did most of the attacking in the second session. However, they were unable to get the tying goal, despite Carlyle Mitchell’s downward header, which looked a certain goal, until goalie Fernandez brought off a match-saving block with ten minutes left. But there was no stopping Kadeem Corbin volleying David’s cross-ball home for 2-0 in added-on time.

Today, TTPFL action shifts to the Ken Cook Ground at the Police Barracks, St James, where last season’s runners-up Miscellaneous Police FC are sure to be pressed by a young, San Juan Jabloteh, while Tobago’s FC Phoenix and Prison Service FC will both be looking for a second win of the season.
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Offline Tallman

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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #6 on: December 23, 2024, 08:06:06 PM »
Army hit Eagles for six, top TTPFL tree at Xmas
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)


Reigning First Citizens Knockout Cup champs Defence Force (nine points) jumped to the top of the 2024/25 Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) table on December 21, with a thumping 6-0 win over the cellar-placed Eagles FC at the Arima Velodrome.

After starting the season with consecutive 2-1 victories against Miscellaneous Police FC and San Juan Jabloteh, Defence Force showed their offensive prowess against Eagles as they ran out to a 4-0 lead by halftime, before adding two more goals in the second half.

The Densill Theobald-coached team shared the goals around, with five players finding the back of the net. The scoring started in the 26th minute, with Defence Force profiting from an own goal by Eagles defender Derron John.

Defence Force winger Darius Ollivierra then made it 2-0 in the 37th minute, with forward Isaiah Leacock scoring his third goal in as many games with a strike in the 40th minute.

On the stroke of halftime, playmaker and Man of the Match Justin Sadoo got his team's fourth as he outfoxed the keeper with a direct curling attempt from a left-side corner.

The speedy Kendell Hitlal made it 5-0 for the Army/Coast Guard combination in the 61st minute, before midfielder Rivaldo Coryat wrapped up the scoring in the 87th minute to hand Eagles a third straight loss.

With their six-goal haul, Defence Force took the lead on the standings via a superior goal difference over Central FC, who have also recorded three straight wins.

In the first game of an exciting double-header at the St James Police Barracks on December 22, Tobago's 1976 FC Phoenix (six points) soared from seventh to fourth on the 12-team table when they defeated Prisons FC by a 2-1 margin.

Fresh from his Soca Warriors debut against Saudi Arabia on December 17, attacker Jariel Arthur gave Phoenix the lead in the 36th minute. Omri Baird grabbed an equaliser for Prisons in the 50th minute, but the visiting Phoenix regained their lead in the 65th minute when former Defence Force attacker Lashawn Roberts found the target.

Just before the final whistle, Phoenix goalkeeper Duvaughn Daniel came up huge when he preserved the three points by diving to his right to stop a penalty from Seon Thomas.

In the second game of the St James double-header, last season's runners-up Police were held to a 3-3 draw in an end-to-end clash with Jabloteh.

Both teams had their chances to take all three points in the intense affair, and Police appeared to be in control when they assumed a 2-1 halftime lead after goals by Mickaeel "Jem" Gordon and Kwesi Allen.

But just seconds into the second half, Jabloteh's Josiah Baird turned the game on its head when he equalised with a stunning right-footed shot into the top corner from about 24 yards out.

The youthful Jabloteh team took the game to Police in the second half with the introduction of schoolboy Lindell Sween, and their reward came in the 64th minute when striker Elijah Seechan scored with a delightful dink over Soca Warriors goalie Adrian Foncette to make it 3-2. It was Seechan's third goal in as many matches.

Jabloteh barely had time to celebrate their go-ahead goal, though, as Man of the Match Gordon grabbed his brace with a point-blank header in the 67th minute to level the scores.

There was no shortage of drama in the final stages, as Sween hit the base of the post from a tight angle in the 80th minute, with Jabloteh substitute goalie Justin Dos Santos making a brilliant save from close range in the 84th minute.

The TTPFL will continue with a full slate of matches on December 26, with Central FC's clash with reigning champions AC PoS being the marquee fixture.

TTFPL tier one standings:

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

Defence Force FC*3*3*0*0*10*2*8*9

Central FC*3*3*0*0*7*1*6*9

AC PoS*3*2*0*1*5*2*3*6

1976 FC Phoenix*3*2*0*1*6*6*0*6

Caledonia*3*2*0*1*4*4*0*6

Police FC*3*1*1*1*8*7*1*4

Prisons FC*3*1*1*1*4*3*1*4

Point Fortin Civic*3*1*0*2*2*4*-2*3

Club Sando*3*0*2*1*2*3*-1*2

La Horquetta Rangers*3*0*1*2*3*5*-2*1

Jabloteh*3*0*1*2*5*8*-3*1

Eagles FC*3*0*0*3*1*12*-11*0
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Offline Tallman

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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #7 on: December 26, 2024, 02:15:23 PM »
Something New: Boxing Day pro football in T&T for first time today
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)


“THIS is something new for myself, and I know it will be new for the entire football fraternity as to well,” stated Defence Force head coach and former national captain Densill “Bleeder” Theobald, “I think it’s something we should always look forward to; see how it goes, and if it could be replicated for the future.”

Professional football is being played in Trinidad and Tobago for the first time on Boxing Day, today. The historic first Boxing Day of action will see three double-headers take place at the Arima Velodrome, the Ken Cooke Ground at the Police Barracks in St James and Mahaica Oval in Point Fortin.

In Arima, the top three teams in the league, joint leaders Defence Force and Central FC, along with champions AC Port of Spain and the rebuilding Terminix La Horquetta Rangers are all in action. In addition to football, there will also be performances by entertainers Yung Bredda and Sackie, plus sets from DJs Tommy Shmurda and DJ Nassio.

At the PFL’s season launch, T&T Football Association (TTFA) president Kieron Edwards said that not having a Christmas break was to ensure that players remain fine-tuned and fit for action in the coming year, particularly for the country’s senior national team which will be involved in the CONCACAF Gold Cup preliminaries in March and the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

“We normally would have gone through the years playing football up to Christmas and then break, but the players would not be training, and they’re not playing football but just liming, drinking and eating food with family and then when they come back out after the Christmas break, they have to get back into motion,” Edward stated, adding, “and this would hinder the first (FIFA international) window with our national team. So it’s a holistic approach to why we want to play football through the Christmas period.”

And with his team leading the local professional league, Theobald has welcomed the initiative to have football playing on Boxing Day for the first time.

Defence Force, inaugural TTPFL champions in 2022, spend Boxing Day facing a youthful Terminix La Horquetta Rangers and Theobald is looking forward to it. Arima has become a sort of home for Defence Force over the years, and they have won their first two matches of the season a few miles away at La Horquetta, and then smashed a not-so-bad Cunupia Eagles 6-0 at the Velodrome on Saturday.

“I welcome the football during the festive season and I know the public will look forward to the matches that would be on display,” Theobald stated.

At champions AC Port of Spain, however, sporting director Gilbert Bateau recognises the significance of Boxing Day football around the world, but is not sure that the PFL is ready for it financially and otherwise.

“It might be new to Trinidad and Tobago but that is a big derby (day) outside,” stated Bateau, whose “Capital Boys” face revitalised former three-time T&T Pro League champions Central FC, who are joint–leaders with Defence Force, having won their opening three matches.

“We don’t welcome it because a lot of things not in place to get that atmosphere going,” Bateau said. “But at the end of the day, the game has to play.”

Heavily subsidised, local professional football is entirely dependent on the release of Government money, with the sponsoring Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago and the TTFA usually having to wait a few months after the National Budget is read to receive funds.

So while Defence Force, whose players are mainly salaried soldiers, could begin training two months prior to the season kick-off, at AC Port of Spain, the champions only began training a week before the start of competition.

“There are some financial issues going on with most of the clubs,” Bateau admitted. “Most of the guys would have received their contracts very late, so it would have hindered a sharper start to the tournament.”

One of the veteran coaches of the local pro game, Bateau does not ever remember professional football being played over the Christmas holidays. He explained that in the past, the league could afford to take breaks because the season was long, consisting of three rounds of football and several knockout tournaments. Now, because of financial constraints, the league is short, involving just two rounds and usually must end by May to fit the criteria for Caribbean Cup club qualifying.

“With three rounds of football you would have had stoppages during the League, but with money not being there (now), they just want to complete a league (season),” Bateau explained. “The league would close off and you would have had one league game in December, then you close off and resume the next year.”

Likewise, Theobald, a former Joe Public and Caledonia AIA midfielder, had never played professional football on Boxing Day.

“Since my playing days and even my coaching days, I have never experienced playing football during a festive season,” Theobald said. “I know usually there is always a break, the last game is always played around the 20th to cater for the Christmas and the New Year, with a resumption in the first week of January.”

However, Theobald has taken a practical view of the Boxing Day matches.

“We have already started (the competition) late, and because of the late start of the League, to have a break now after already playing three matches, I think it will not be good for the rhythm, not only of my organisation but the League entirely.”


UPCOMING TTPFL MATCHES:

Today

Venue — Arima Velodrome, Arima


5:00pm: Athletic Club Port of Spain vs Central FC Reboot

7:00pm: Defence Force vs Terminix La Horquetta Rangers

Admission - Adults $60. Children under 12 free.


Venue — Ken Cooke Ground, Police Barracks, St James

5 p.m.: Caledonia AIA v FC Phoenix

7 p.m.: Miscellenous Police FC vs Prison FC


Venue — Mahaica Oval, Pt Fortin

6 p.m.: Club Sando vs FC Eagles

8 p.m.: Point Fortin Civic vs San Juan Jabloteh
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Offline Tallman

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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #8 on: December 27, 2024, 08:07:30 AM »
AC Port of Spain edge Central FC in Arima
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)


CHAMPIONS AC Port of Spain were among the first winners of Boxing Day football in Trinidad and Tobago after edging early front-runners Central FC Reboot 2-1 at Arima Velodrome last evening.

The first edition of Boxing Day football was a hit at the Arima Velodrome, where a big crowd turned up and only a second half goal from striker Sedale “Skem” McLean separated two hard-battling Tier One contenders.

There was an early chance for Central FC in the opening five minutes when John Paul Rochford struck the Capital Boys’ crossbar from distance, with former national goalkeeper Marvin Phillip indicating that the sun might have been affecting his view. And arriving down the middle, Jameel “Shooter” Neptune was well wide when a cut-back fell perfectly onto his favoured left foot.

Former schoolboy star “Hustling” Haile Beckles eventually broke the deadlock, giving AC Port of Spain a 1-0 lead in the 13th minute, as he redirected Che Benny’s free kick with a downward header that evaded goalkeeper Levi Fernandez.

Soon after, Benny forced a corner from another free-kick; playmaker Duane Muckette had a shot cleared off the line by defender Jameel Antoine and Michel Poon-Angeron hit an absolute bullet wide from the top of the penalty area, all following a spell of AC Port of Spain pressure.

But with the match flowing from end to end, suddenly it was level at 1-1 in the 33rd minute. Neptune won a penalty, which Kevon “Showtime” Woodley casually converted from the spot.

Both teams went for it early in the second half where Benny had two scoring chances in succession, but it was eventually McClean getting the winner from close-up.

In the other early matches in the three double-headers across the country, there were wins for Caledonia AIA over FC Phoenix and Club Sando over Eagles FC.

TTPFL RESULTS:

Yesterday’s early matches:


AC PoS 2 (Haile Beckles , Sedale McLean) Central FC Reboot 1 (Kevon Woodley pen)

Caledonia AIA 2 (Jordan Ferdinand, Jean McFee) FC Phoenix 1 (Jariel Arthur)
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Offline Flex

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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #9 on: December 28, 2024, 07:01:37 AM »
Army stay perfect, whip Rangers 6-2 in Premier Football League.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).


THERE were goals aplenty in TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) 2024/25 action on December 26, with a total of 32 goals being scored in six matches as fans had a Boxing Day to savour.

Last season's runners-up Miscellaneous Police FC (seven points), Club Sando (five points) and league leaders Defence Force (12 points) were the most convincing winners on the day.

In the second game of a double-header at the Arima Velodrome, Defence Force maintained their perfect record to start the season with a 6-2 victory over the 11th-placed Terminix La Horquetta Rangers.

Defence Force fell behind early to a Josiah Edwards goal, but they soon assumed control and stormed to a 3-1 lead at the half as Shaquille Bertrand, Brent Sam and playmaker Kevin Molino found the net. Molino and Sam scored in identical fashion as they both headed home from close range after lovely wing play down the left.

In the second half, the Army/Coast Guard combination drove home their advantage when Sam converted a 49th-minute penalty after Molino was fouled in the area.

Rangers cut the deficit to 4-2 in the 77th minute, but coach Densill Theobald's Defence Force team secured the points with two late strikes.

In the 83rd minute, attacker Isaiah Leacock scored for the fourth game running when he lobbed goalie Miles Goodman, with fellow substitute Rivaldo Coryat scoring from just inside the area five minutes later upon receiving a Leacock layoff.

In the first game in Arima, defending champs AC PoS (nine points) snapped Central FC's winning streak when they got a 2-1 victory.

The "Capital Boys" opened the scoring through Haile Beckles in the 13th minute, before Central equalised through a 34th-minute penalty from veteran striker Kevon "Showtime" Woodley.

In the 74th minute, AC PoS clinched their third win of the season when Sedale McLean registered his second goal of the young campaign.

Despite the loss, Central (nine points) stayed in second spot on the 12-team table, with AC PoS remaining in third.

At the Mahaica Sporting Complex in Pt Fortin, Club Sando heaped more pressure on the struggling Eagles FC when they got a thumping 7-1 win.

The teams were locked at 1-1 in the 34th minute, but Sando turned up the heat with five of their goals coming in the second half. Isaiah Hudson bagged a brace to lead Sando to their first win of the season, with five other players scoring a goal apiece.

In the other Mahaica match, San Juan Jabloteh (four points) also grabbed their first win of the campaign when they got a 3-1 comeback victory against hosts Pt Fortin Civic.

Secondary Schools Football League star Derrel Garcia copped the Man of the Match award, with Jabloteh's goals coming from Andell Fraser, Keanu John and Trevis Byron.

At the St James Police Barracks, Caledonia AIA (nine points) moved one spot up to fourth when they got a dramatic 2-1 comeback win against 1976 FC Phoenix (six points).

Trailing after Phoenix's Jariel Arthur scored in the 17th minute, Caledonia were rescued in the dying moments of the game through a brace from Jean-Heim McFee who scored the winning item in stoppage-time.

In the other game in St James, Police continued their high-scoring trend at home when they whipped Prisons FC 5-1.

Levin Caballero gave Prisons hope when he cancelled out Joevin Jones' first-half penalty with a goal in the 54th minute. However, the Lawmen quickly regained control with a double from Kwesi "Jep" Allen, who jumped to the top of the TTPFL scoring charts after netting his fifth goal in three games.

Joshua Sitney and new signing Mickaeel Gordon rounded off the scoring as Police moved up one spot to fifth. Prisons dropped two places to ninth with the heavy loss.

The TTFPL action will resume on January 3 with Defence Force and AC PoS scheduled to meet in an appetising heavyweight clash.

TTFPL tier one standings:

Team*GP*W*D*L*GF*GA*GD*Pts
Defence Force FC*4*4*0*0*16*4*12*12
Central FC*4*3*0*1*8*3*5*9
AC PoS*4*3*0*1*7*3*4*9
Caledonia*4*3*0*1*6*5*1*9
Police FC*4*2*1*1*13*8*5*7
1976 FC Phoenix*4*2*0*2*7*8*-1*6
Club Sando*4*1*2*1*9*4*5*5
Jabloteh*4*1*1*2*8*9*-1*4
Prisons FC*4*1*1*2*5*8*-3*4
Point Fortin Civic*4*1*0*3*3*7*-4*3
La Horquetta Rangers*4*0*1*3*5*11*-6*1
Eagles FC*4*0*0*4*2*19*-17*0



Pt Fortin Civic's Adam Pierre, right, puts in a sliding tackle on a San Juan Jabloteh player during their TT Premier Football League match at the Mahaica Sporting Complex, Pt Fortin on December 26. Photo courtesy TTPFL - Photo courtesy TTPFL

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Offline Tallman

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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #10 on: January 03, 2025, 10:37:10 AM »
TTPFL acting CEO: Player salaries will be paid by January 10
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)


TRINIDAD and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) Acting CEO Yale Antoine has said TTPFL tier one players will receive their salaries for December 2024 by January 10, 2025.

Speaking to Newsday on January 2, Antoine, who is also the T&T Football Association (TTFA) executive secretary, was responding to reports which circulated earlier this week, alleging that TTPFL clubs were prepared to strike for the matches on January 3 because of the non-payment of their salaries.

“I would have heard it (threats of a player strike) through the grapevine, which is the only place you’d hear those things really,” Antoine said.

Having started its 2024/25 season on December 6, the TTPFL is heading into its fifth week of matches on January 3, with a scheduled clash between reigning champions AC PoS and First Citizens Knockout Cup holders Defence Force sure to appeal to the neutrals.

With the TTPFL using government subvention to pay players’ salaries, Antoine said the Sport Company of TT (SporTT) is yet to release the funds which would have covered salaries for December. He said the delay was out of the league’s and SporTT’s control.

“There are quite a few tranches outstanding at this time,” Antoine said, when asked about the funds the TTPFL is set to receive from SporTT.

“We were hoping that it would happen last week or the week before that. But the salaries should hit the players’ accounts between this week and next week.”

In a letter to TTPFL stakeholders on December 31, Antoine said the TTFA was intent on fulfilling its obligations.

“Pursuant to our meeting today, the TTFA writes to confirm that all outstanding salary payments for December 2024, will be settled by January 10…we thank you for your continued patience as we endeavour to complete the payment process.

“Every effort is being made to meet this timeline, reflecting our dedication to supporting the development of football in TT.”

In February 2023, at the launch of the inaugural TTPFL season, Minister of Sport and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis said the government had committed to disburse $9 million towards the TTPFL for the first three seasons.

In the final season of that arrangement, Antoine said the TTPFL plans to return to the government for its continued support. He said the league now has a better understanding of how clubs run their affairs and reckons a shrewder approach can be used in determining how the funds are stretched across different areas.

The government funding covers the salaries of players and staff of the TTPFL teams and salaries of personnel brought in by the TTFA to work with the league, as well as to pay for flights and varying match venues.

Clubs are responsible for submitting monthly payrolls of their players and other staff members to receive the funding, and Antoine noted that some clubs still need the league’s guidance in this regard.

Antoine also disclosed that the next TTPFL tier two season is expected to kick off next week, after the league went through the club licensing process with teams last month. He said between two to four Tobago-based clubs are expected to participate in tier two for the upcoming season.

Additionally, Antoine said SportsMax’s live-streaming of TTPFL’s marquee matches should resume on January 10, after a fruitful meeting earlier this week. He said the monetary figure hasn’t been finalised yet, as the parties are still ironing out those details.

Calls to TTFA president Kieron Edwards went unanswered.

“There are concerns, but our boys will play”

Newsday contacted several players and officials across the TTPFL to get their feedback on the strike rumours. At least one AC PoS player and another AC PoS club official said they had heard “absolutely nothing” about a player strike.

Central FC coach Jason Spence declined to comment,as he said he specifically deals with the club’s on-field affairs.

Meanwhile, another TTPFL club official, who wished to remain anonymous, said while the club’s players are concerned about December’s non-payment, they are still willing to play. The official said the team’s submission of the monthly payroll is done promptly, and they have only received delayed salaries on two previous occasions since the TTPFL was launched.

The official said this was the longest delay the club has been faced with, and it hasn’t received any confirmed timeline from the league yet.

A TTPFL coach, who also spoke anonymously, said strike action was unlikely as the players would be breaching the contracts they signed with the TTFA.

Coach of 1976 FC Phoenix, Nigel De Souza, said he and his players had no intention of joining the strike.

“Of course, we have heard about it (the strike threats),” De Souza said. “We have not been a part of these strike discussions.”

On December 31, De Souza said the club was told the salaries would be paid by the end of next week.

“We want the football to be played,” he said. “We’re not going to leave where we are in Tobago to come and strike in Trinidad.”

But, he said, “If payments aren’t made by (the end of next week), then the conversation might shift.”

Phoenix competed in TTPFL tier two in the league’s first season in 2023. And after winning the tier two title, they were accepted into tier one for the 2023/24 season after fulfilling the league’s club licensing criteria and financial criteria. Phoenix finished sixth in their first season in the TTPFL top flight.
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Offline Trini _2026

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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #11 on: January 03, 2025, 01:55:36 PM »
“We had to borrow to buy children’s Christmas gifts!” TTPFL execs try to quell strike threat
Lasana Liburd Friday 3 January 2025 Global Football, Local Football, Volley /color]


“[…] School opens on Monday. I can’t go to Massy Stores and say: I’m a ‘professional footballer’ in the TTPFL; I’m taking these groceries to pack my son’s lunch kit for school—when we get pay on Friday the 10th, I’ll pay you!

“[…] For Christmas, I had to borrow money to buy my daughter’s gift…”

“[…] I know two guys who have to be hiding their cars from house to house, corner to corner. The cars can’t even be at the players’ homes because they have outstanding instalments…”

Just over a month into the third season of the TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) and players are already threatening action over unpaid salaries and poor working conditions. This follows on unpaid match fees for Men’s National Senior Team players since June 2024.


https://wired868.com/2025/01/03/we-had-to-borrow-to-buy-childrens-christmas-gifts-ttpfl-execs-try-to-quell-strike-threat/
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Offline Trini _2026

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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #12 on: January 03, 2025, 01:59:37 PM »
Clubs should focus/consider  on player development as a way to earn revenue .. What happen to  W connection BTW ? .The number of clubs should also be reduce to 10 teams
« Last Edit: January 03, 2025, 02:01:35 PM by Trini _2026 »
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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #13 on: January 03, 2025, 05:00:13 PM »
Clubs should focus/consider  on player development as a way to earn revenue .. What happen to  W connection BTW ? .The number of clubs should also be reduce to 10 teams

The clubs barely have extra money. At least most clubs eking out an existence. The barely making it. W Connection which was a flagship team of the past will probably no longer exist in the future. They and Jabloteh took a respite for a year. Only Jabloteh came back. I spoke to a member of Jabloteh who said they had signed up with a sponsor for 600,000.TT deal. The deal fell thru close to the beginning of the season. If the gov't pull the grant, that is it for TT football. Back to amateur football.

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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #14 on: January 03, 2025, 10:50:12 PM »
They dont even have games on TV /internet anymore.Deeks seems TTPFL have taken a step back this season.
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Offline Tallman

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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #15 on: January 04, 2025, 05:54:22 PM »
They dont even have games on TV /internet anymore.Deeks seems TTPFL have taken a step back this season.

The supposed to have a deal with Sportsmax in de works.
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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #16 on: January 04, 2025, 05:57:30 PM »
Molino scores hat-trick as Army demolish AC PoS 6-3
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)


REIGNING First Citizens Knockout Cup champions Defence Force (15 points) made another massive statement in the 2024/25 Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) season on January 3 when they got a thumping 6-3 victory against the league's defending champs AC Port of Spain at Phase 2 La Horquetta recreation ground.

It was the Army/Coast Guard combination's fifth win in as many games to kickstart the new campaign, and was also their third straight game scoring six goals.

The second game of a double-header, the Defence Force and AC PoS match was hyped as a titanic clash, and it didn't disappoint as six goals were scored in the opening half hour as the teams traded big blows to see the scores locked 3-3 at that time. Veteran playmaker Kevin Molino scored two of Defence Force's first three goals, with attacker Haile Beckles scoring twice for the "Capital Boys."

In first-half stoppage-time, the Densill Theobald-coached Defence Force team grabbed their second lead of the game when flanker Kaihim Thomas found the back of the net to give them a 4-3 halftime edge.

In the 78th minute, striker Isaiah Leacock continued his hot streak as he scored for a fifth successive game – opening up a 5-3 lead for the free-scoring Defence Force.

And after referee Timothy Derry awarded a penalty in the 86th minute, Molino beat former TT international keeper Marvin Phillip with a precise right-footed conversion to notch his hat-trick.

The hat-trick feat from the 34-year-old Molino was the second hat-trick on a wild night of football, as Central FC forward Kadeem Corbin also scored three times in his team's big 6-2 win over 1976 FC Phoenix.

Playing the first game of a double-header at the Arima Velodrome, the resurgent Central were relentless in their approach as they grabbed their fourth win of the season to consolidate second spot on the 12-team table with 12 points.

Corbin scored two of his three goals in the first half to take his season's tally to five goals, with midfielder John-Paul Rochford also chipping in with a brace.

Jariel Arthur scored his fourth goal of the season and got one of the consolation items for Phoenix, who dropped two spots to eighth.

In the second game at the velodrome, Club Sando (six points) moved up to sixth spot after battling back from a two-goal deficit to earn a 2-2 draw with Caledonia (ten points). Despite the draw, Caledonia jumped ahead AC PoS to occupy third spot.

Former TT standouts Daneil Cyrus and Marcus Joseph gave Caledonia a healthy first-half lead, but goals by Ezekiel Kesar and defender Jamal Jack saw Angus Eve's Sando team getting a share of the spoils.

Elsewhere, at the St James Police Barracks, Point Fortin Civic (six points) got their second win of the season when they whipped the cellar-placed Eagles FC by a 4-1 margin, with four different players getting on the scoresheet to hand the opposition a fifth straight loss.

In the second clash in St James, attacker Dwight Jordan scored in the 52nd minute to help San Juan Jabloteh secure a point against Prisons FC in a 2-2 draw. Both teams are currently on five points.

Meanwhile, Terminix La Horquetta Rangers got their first win of the campaign when they defeated last season's runners-up Miscellaneous Police FC by a 2-1 margin in La Horquetta. Shakir Jones and Ricardo Williams scored in the first half for Rangers, with the league's top scorer Kwesi Allen pulling a goal back for Police in the second half.

TTFPL tier one standings:

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

Defence Force FC*5*5*0*0*22*7*15*15

Central FC*5*4*0*1*14*5*9*12

Caledonia*5*3*1*1*8*7*1*10

AC PoS*5*3*0*2*10*9*1*9

Police FC*5*2*1*2*14*10*4*7

Club Sando*5*1*3*1*11*6*5*6

Point Fortin Civic*5*2*0*3*7*8*-1*6

1976 FC Phoenix*5*2*0*3*9*14*-5*6

Jabloteh*5*1*2*2*10*11*-1*5

Prisons FC*5*1*2*2*7*10*-3*5

La Horquetta Rangers*5*1*1*3*7*12*-5*4

Eagles FC*5*0*0*5*3*23*-20*0
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Offline ffisback

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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #17 on: January 05, 2025, 01:11:15 PM »
How is a player who is not in the military play for the Defense force?

Offline Tallman

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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #18 on: January 07, 2025, 12:39:39 PM »
How is a player who is not in the military play for the Defense force?

Civilians can play for Defence Force, Police, and Prison Service.
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Offline Tallman

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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #19 on: January 07, 2025, 12:40:53 PM »
Coach Densill Theobald: Army’s best is yet to come
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)


REIGNING First Citizens Knockout Cup champions Defence Force have started the 2024/25 Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) season in ripping form, scoring 22 goals in their first five games and securing five straight victories in the process.

Former T&T captain Densill Theobald, appointed on a one-year deal as the Defence Force head coach in October, says the best is yet to come from the TTPFL table-toppers. Theobald’s deal has the option of a contract extension contingent on the team’s performances this season.

“People want to see entertaining football that will give them a reason to come out of their homes far away or close by and be able to watch football and fall in love with the local game again,” Theobald told Newsday, during an interview on January 5.

Defence Force have registered six goals in each of their last three games, with their January 3 clash at the Phase 2 La Horquetta recreation grounds with defending champs AC PoS resulting in a handsome 6-3 victory for the Army/Coast Guard combination.

Theobald credited both teams for their approach in what he described as the best game in the TTPFL tier one and promised to give the spectators more attacking and high-octane football for the remainder of the season.

With his team already grabbing wins against last season’s two top teams – Miscellaneous Police FC and AC PoS – Theobald brushed aside the notion that Defence Force are the team to beat this season.

“The Defence Force organisation is a successful, historical organisation. We’re the Real Madrid of T&T and we know when we step on that field, we want to play an attacking, entertaining brand of football,” Theobald said.

“We basically want to keep doing that and keep our feet on the ground in terms of carrying out our principles in terms of the four moments of the game and to continue to improve from strength to strength. I don’t think the football fraternity has seen the best of Army (so far this season). I think more is to come and more will come.”

Theobald, who’s also the coach of TT’s under-14 boys’ team, said there are still certain things he and the staff would like to implement on match days. However, at present, some of the country’s playing venues, like the La Horquetta ground, may not be conducive to these methods of play.

“We also have to take into consideration the venues and the grounds we have to play on. Some of the grounds make it difficult. We’re not complaining,” he said.

“Some venues are really small, some venues sometimes the surfaces are very difficult to play the things we train to do. It’s difficult to implement it on match day so more is to come.

“The football fraternity can expect more once given the playing surfaces we desire.”

So far, centre forward Isaiah Leacock and veteran Soca Warriors playmaker Kevin Molino have thrived in the Defence Force system – both scoring five goals already this season. Leacock has scored in each match, with Molino stealing the show in the last game with a hat-trick against AC PoS. Theobald said Molino’s returns on the field are a testament to his hard work behind the scenes and believes the 34-year-old attacking midfielder still has something special to offer. “I said to Molino before, my job as the head coach is just to basically help him to return to his best form. And that’s what I want to help to do - to return to his best and have him enjoying his football again.”

Theobald said Molino’s orchestration and vision have been enormous for the team.

“It’s a sight to behold because I always know that when talent fails to work hard, it doesn’t realise its full and true potential. And I think (Molino is) just being rewarded for the professionalism, work ethic, the mindset and mentality that he possesses to still be one of our top talents presently.

With six being their favoured number lately, Defence Force will try to keep their perfect run alive and notch a sixth straight win when they play the third-placed Caledonia AIA (ten points) from 6 pm in La Horquetta on January 10. “We want to keep improving and keep our feet on the ground and not get carried away because we know how football is. In football, there are good moments and bad moments. We’re enjoying the good moments and we want them to continue.”
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Offline Deeks

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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #20 on: January 07, 2025, 03:35:27 PM »
How is a player who is not in the military play for the Defense force?

The rule was changed.

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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #21 on: January 13, 2025, 05:16:41 PM »
Tyrone Charles brace sees Central FC past Club Sando 2-1
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday)


TWO goals in 11 minutes from Tyrone Charles sealed an important 2-1 victory for MIC Central FC Reboot over Club Sando in the feature match of a TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) tier one double-header at La Horquetta Recreation Grounds on January 10.

After a goalless first half, Charles broke the deadlock in the 58th minute and found the back of the net once more in the 69th to send them 2-0 up.

Club Sando’s Justin Cornwall pulled one back in the 88th minute, but it was too little too late, as Central FC held their own in the dying minutes to bag another precious three points.

The victory for Central FC (15 pts) saw them maintain second place on the TTPFL rankings behind the unbeaten leaders Defence Force (18 pts).

The army team extended their win to six in a row after a Kevin Molino hat-trick led them to a 6-2 triumph over Caledonia AIA in the first match at La Horquetta.

The league resumed on January 11 with ninth-placed San Juan Jabloteh (five pts) versus tenth-placed Tobago team FC Phoenix (five pts) at Ken Cooke Ground (Police Barracks) in St James, followed by fifth-ranked Police FC (seven pts) against cellar-placed, winless Eagles FC at the same venue.

On January 12, the Mahaica Sports Complex in Point Fortin hosts a double-header with Prisons FC (five pts) facing La Horquetta Rangers (5 pm) followed by fourth place AC Port of Spain (nine pts) and seventh-ranked hosts Point Fortin Civic.
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Offline Tallman

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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #22 on: January 13, 2025, 05:49:59 PM »
Police rout Eagles 6-0; 'Zoom Zoom' double sinks Phoenix in TTPFL
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday)

LAST season's Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) runners-up Miscellaneous Police FC jumped to third spot on the 2024/25 league table on January 11, with ten points, after delivering a 6-0 whipping on Eagles FC at the St James Police Barracks.

In a game where Police took a while to find their stride, they were still too good for the cellar-placed Eagles who fell to a sixth straight loss to start the campaign.

With brothers Alvin and Joevin Jones watching on from the sidelines, Police broke the deadlock in the 28th minute when former Soca Warriors centre-back Mekeil Williams headed in a free kick from Jabari Mitchell from close range.

Police lacked their regular fluidity, but they opened up a 2-0 lead in the 40th minute when flanker Kadeem Hutchinson lifted the ball over goalkeeper Jon-Pierre David from a tight angle, after being freed by a through pass.

Hutchinson had the chance to add another goal just before halftime, but fired a volley over bar after being found by an intelligent Mitchell pass.

After the hour mark, the lawmen turned up the heat as they scored four goals in quick succession to put Eagles to the sword to register a third win in the season.

Police top-scorer Kwesi Allen notched his seventh goal of the campaign in the 66th minute, before substitute Jordan Riley helped himself to a brace. Another substitute, Kareem Freitas, rounded off the scoring in the 89th minute.

In the first game of the double-header, Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) star Derrel "Zoom Zoom" Garcia showed his worth on the professional stage as he netted a double in San Juan Jabloteh's 3-1 win versus 1976 FC Phoenix.

Kerri McDonald gave the visiting Tobago team the lead in the fourth minute, but Garcia found the net for Jabloteh in the 20th minute as the teams went into halftime locked at 1-1.

In the second half, the youthful Jabloteh, who are coached by Marvin Gordon, dictated the flow of the game, but the three points were only secured in the latter stage of the game through goals from Garcia and Dwight Jordan.

Garcia was a threat throughout with his movement and deft touches from his number-ten position, and he rocked goalkeeper Duvaughn Daniel's post in the 51st minute with a venomous right-footed volley after receiving a lobbed pass from fellow SSFL star Lindell Sween.

Jabloteh wasted a big chance in the 57th minute as defender Keanu John headed over from close range after a Garcia corner, with winger Trevis Byron being denied by a sharp save five minutes later.

At the other end, Jabloteh goalie Justin Dos Santos made a huge save to deny Lashawn Roberts from point-blank range in the 73rd minute.

Just moments later, Garcia gave Jabloteh the go-ahead goal with a sweet right-footed hit into the far corner after Byron laid it on a plate for him at the edge of the area.

In the 90th minute, the lanky Jordan showed a calm head when he finished through Daniel's legs after being sprung on the counter by Josiah Baird.

Jabloteh's victory took them three spots up to sixth with eight points, with Phoenix (six points) slipping to ninth spot.

TTPFL action continued at the Arima Velodrome with a double-header on January 12.

TTFPL tier one standings:

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

Defence Force FC*6*6*0*0*28*9*19*18

Central FC*6*5*0*1*16*6*10*15

Police FC*6*3*1*2*20*10*10*10

Caledonia*6*3*1*2*10*13*-3*10

AC PoS*5*3*0*2*10*9*1*9

Jabloteh*6*2*2*2*13*12*1*8

Club Sando*6*1*3*2*12*8*4*6

Point Fortin Civic*5*2*0*3*7*8*-1*6

1976 FC Phoenix*6*2*0*4*10*17*-7*6

Prisons FC*5*1*2*2*7*10*-3*5

La Horquetta Rangers*5*1*1*3*7*12*-5*4

Eagles FC*6*0*0*6*3*29*-26*0
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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #23 on: January 14, 2025, 02:39:05 PM »
Che Benny's brace hands AC Port of Spain 4-1 victory
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday)


CHE Benny showed his quality in dead-ball situations as he converted a penalty and a free kick to steer AC Port of Spain to a comfortable 4-1 victory over Pt Fortin Civic when the TT Premier Football League continued at the Arima Velodrome on January 12.

The victory meant AC Port of Spain jumped from fifth to third in the standings with 12 points. Defence Force have been flawless this campaign with 18 points, winning all six of their matches. Central FC are also off to an impressive start, earning 15 points with five wins from six matches.

Benny opened the scoring in the 26th minute from the penalty spot, before completing his brace with a left-footed free kick in the 41st minute. It was a lead AC held until the halftime whistle.

In the second half, Nathan Lewis gave AC a 3-0 cushion with an item in the 76th minute.

AC kept the foot on the gas, as Benny’s former St Anthony’s College teammate Haile Beckles found the back of the net in the 86th minute.

Pt Fortin Civic grabbed a late consolation goal in stoppage time (91st minute). Pt Fortin remained in eighth position in the 12-team table.

In the first match of the doubleheader in Arima, the contest between Terminix La Horquetta Rangers and Prison Service FC ended in a 0-0 draw.

Rangers and Prison have been struggling this season.

The La Horquetta men are in 11th place and Prison are in ninth position.
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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #24 on: January 17, 2025, 04:57:48 PM »
Evolution FC eager to make note in debut TTPFL tier 2 season
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)


SEVEN months after claiming the under-20 national title in the Republic Cup Youth tournament, Edinburgh 500-based club Evolution FC are eager to make another big splash when they turn out for their debut campaign in the T&T Premier Football League's (TTPFL) tier two season which kicks off on January 18.

Evolution FC will play their first tier two game from 4 pm on the opening day of the campaign with a home clash with Club Sando FC II at the Edinburgh 500 recreation ground in Chaguanas. They will be one of 21 teams competing in an expanded tier two competition which will have a two-group, round-robin format before subsequent playoffs are contested to determine the champion team. Harlem Strikers are the reigning tier two champions.

Officially registered in mid-2022, Evolution FC are co-coached by Husani Thomas and former national senior team defender Kern Cupid, who also serves as the club's co-directors.

For Thomas, 41, stepping into the TTPFL at this stage is aligned with the club's bigger vision.

"It's really the philosophy of the club and academy that our objective when we started with the club was always to have succession planning and have a pathway for players to be able to move from youth level football straight into senior level football."

He said, once approached, taking up the invitation to enter the league was a no-brainer.

TTPFL acting CEO Yale Antoine told Newsday, that in preparation for the 2024/25 TTPFL tier two season, first preference was given to clubs that had participated in the Super League in years past, as well TTPFL tier one teams who already had a functioning second team or the capabilities to field a tier two team.

To this end, Thomas said an invitation was initially extended to the club Central 500 Spartans. With the Spartans unable to take the TTPFL up on its offer, Thomas said Evolution were more than happy to step in and be the flag bearers for Edinburgh.

"We're very fortunate as a club, the way we have been set up from existence, we have all the administrative things in place to be able to make that step up (to the TTPFL tier two)," Thomas said, during a January 15 interview.

"And we're fortunate to be managed by VirtuSpace, who oversees the administrative side of the club."

He said they were accepted into the league in mid-December, with their sessions ahead of the campaign commencing on January 2.

Despite the short turnaround, Thomas said the players put in the work immediately and both he and Cupid are excited to see it reflected on the field.

"Even up to yesterday (January 14) we trained, and we were really impressed with the quality of football the boys were playing...the information that the guys have taken on and how receptive they've been to the information and how they've executed in the short space of time, it's really pleasing to see."

Thomas said at least seven players from last year's Republic Cup under-20 winning team will be in the tier two lineup, and he said the club intends on pursuing their title defence in the popular youth tourney which is expected to run from February 8-May 3.

Evolution's tier two team is mostly comprised of under-23 players, with Thomas pointing to Akil Clarke, Donovan Derrick and William Murray as the team's senior players.

And though Thomas said there's a level of confidence and fearlessness within the group, he said they don't intend to be naive.

"When it's time for them to pick it up and play at a high pace or fast intensity, I think they definitely have the energy, know-how and quality of players to be able to do that. But when it's time to be able to manage games and be able to play the situation and the time in the game...I think we have the discipline and the tactical knowledge to be able to execute the game plan the way we want."

With the accolade of the Central Football Association's most promising team having been added to their 2024 resume, Thomas said Evolution are prepared to take it up a notch in 2025.

"I think entering tier two has brought a real buzz around the club and around the community of Edinburgh 500 as well. Now, some of the same of the little ones in the academy – we have players as young as four – can come out on a weekend and see the senior team play at a good level and play against some of the top teams in the country."
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Offline Deeks

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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #25 on: January 17, 2025, 08:10:09 PM »
Watching DF beating Central 3-0. DF has a mid fielder call Justin Sadoo. How come he not on the national team?

Offline Fyzoman

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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #26 on: January 18, 2025, 06:45:26 PM »
Eve picked him for two Jamaican friendlies in March last year but never selected him again.

We'll see if the current national coaching staff have as discerning eyes as you do...if not, Neveal Hackshaw it shall be🙂
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Offline Tallman

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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #27 on: January 19, 2025, 08:44:31 PM »
Theobald pleased with ‘Army’ win over Central
By Mark Pouchet (T&T Express)


DENSILL THEOBALD, head coach of Defence Force said his team put in another workmanlike game as they rolled to their seventh straight victory of the 2024/2025 Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) Tier One campaign on Friday night.

“I thought it was a credible performance by the players, especially the first 45 minutes against a good opposition,” Theobald, a former national midfielder, said of the 3-0 win over MIC Central FC Reboot.

“I thought we executed the strategy and game plan very well. So we know we are a team that is going to create chances and we know once we put our chances away, we make the game easier for us.”

Theobald said his players were able to utilise their quick counter-attacking pace to great effect against Central FC. “So all in all it, was a fantastic 45 minutes by the players and another three points which is important for us as we continue to press ahead,” he said. “Onto the next opponent now. We look forward to that challenge.”

Defence Force blew past the best defensive team to date, Central FC at the La Horquetta Phase II Recreation Ground.

The Defence Force/Central FC encounter was the second in a doubleheader at the venue. It was preceded by the match featuring third-place AC Port of Spain (POS) and Miscellaneous Police, in which defending champions AC PoS shut out their opponents 2-0.

But for the Army unit, the victory solidified them at the top of the Tier One standings with 21 points.

They penetrated the League’s best defensive team three times, making it Central FC’s single-worst defensive display this season in terms of goals allowed, while Defence Force shored up their back-line play to prevent the Jason Spence-coached Central FC from getting on the scoreboard.

The Army have had potency from several individuals since the start of the season and Friday, Isaiah Leacock scored a brace (11th and 38th minutes) to be the main scorer for Defence Force, while Shaquille Bertrand added another goal in the 16th minute.

Leacock has scored in all seven games this season and has nine in total and was probably trying to impress national senior men’s head coach Dwight Yorke and his assistants Russell Latapy and Derek King, who were in the stands scouting the local talent.

In the earlier match, coach Walt Noriega’s AC PoS squad retained third spot despite drawing level on points (15) with Central FC.

Central FC maintain second spot by being marginally superior goal difference (+7 to +6).

For AC PoS, the prolific Che Benny again got on the scorecard via a 73rd minute strike, while Josiah Wilson scored deep into time added on (90th + 9).

Noriega was more pleased with the outcome than his side’s execution.

“The team had a resolute defensive performance; the work we put in showed,” said Noriega. But he added: “We were not at our best possession-wise, but the guys worked well for the duration of the 90+ minutes. The main objective was to achieve the three points to maintain the momentum and keep in touching distance to the leaders.”

TTPFL TIER 1 RESULTS

Friday

TTDF 3 (Isaiah Leacock 11th, 38th; Shaquille Bertrand 16th) MIC Central FC Reboot 0

AC POS 2 (Che Benny 73rd; Josiah Wilson 90 + 9) Miscellaneous FC 0

TODAY’s TIER 1 GAMES

Club Sando vs FC Phoenix, 4 p.m.

Caledonia AIA vs Point Fortin Civic, 6 p.m. —Mahaica Oval, Point Fortin
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Offline Flex

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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #28 on: January 21, 2025, 02:15:59 PM »
'Cale' edge Civic 1-0, climb to 4th in TTPFL.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).


CALEDONIA AIA (13 points) moved to fourth spot on the 2024/25 TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) table on January 19 when they got a slender 1-0 win over hosts Point Fortin Civic at the Mahaica Sporting Complex in Point Fortin in the second game of a double-header.

The game’s lone item came in the 43rd minute when Civic defender Jaheim Joseph inadvertently sent the ball past goalkeeper Shakeem Darius and into the net after Caledonia’s Benjamin Ettienne flashed a dangerous cross into the six-yard box.

The defeat was Civic’s fifth in just seven games, and sees them languishing ninth on the 12-team table.

Meanwhile, the result pulled “Cale” within two points of Central FC and defending champs AC PoS (both 15 points), who occupy second and third spots respectively. Defence Force lead all comers in the TTPFL with 21 points after registering seven straight wins to start the season.

In the first game of the Point Fortin double-header, Club Sando consolidated seventh spot on the table with a 2-0 win over Tobago’s 1976 FC Phoenix. It was Phoenix’s fifth loss of the season, which sees them tenth on six points.

Club Sando had veteran striker Shackiel Henry to thank for their second win of the season, as he opened the scoring in the 16th minute, before adding another item seven minutes later to push his team to nine points. Henry took his league tally to four goals in the process.

Action in the league will resume on January 24 with a double-header at the Phase 2 La Horquetta recreation grounds. The struggling pair of Phoenix and Terminix La Horquetta Rangers will battle in the first game from 5 pm, with Central scheduled to meet Civic from 7 pm.

TTFPL tier one standings:

Team*GP*W*D*L*GF*GA*GD*Pts
Defence Force FC*7*7*0*0*31*9*22*21
Central FC*7*5*0*2*16*9*7*15
AC PoS*7*5*0*2*16*10*6*15
Caledonia*7*4*1*2*11*13*-2*13
Jabloteh*7*3*2*2*17*15*2*11
Police FC*7*3*1*3*20*12*8*10
Club Sando*7*2*3*2*14*8*6*9
Prisons FC*7*1*3*3*9*14*-5*6
Point Fortin Civic*7*2*0*5*8*13*-5*6
1976 FC Phoenix*7*2*0*5*10*19*-9*6
La Horquetta Rangers*7*1*2*4*10*16*-6*5
Eagles FC*7*1*0*6*7*31*-24*3

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Offline Tallman

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Re: 2024/25 TTPFL Thread
« Reply #29 on: January 21, 2025, 03:33:08 PM »
UTT begin TTPFL tier 2 season with 9-1 win
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)


UTT FC got their 2025 TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) tier two season off to a stunning start on January 19 when they thumped Miscellaneous Laventille United by a 9-1 margin at the UTT, O’Meara campus.

With this season’s tier two competition split into two groups, UTT laid down an early marker in group one on the opening weekend of the season. Giovanni Elliott and former San Juan North Secondary standout Jerry Morris both scored braces, with Trevon Augustine stealing the show for UTT with a second-half hat trick.

Also in group one, Bethel United got the better of an all-Tobago battle with Sidey’s Sports Club as late goals from Azimodeen Leith and Ronaldo Samuel earned them a 2-1 win at the Montgomery recreation ground.

Last year’s Eastern Football Association champions Malabar Youngstars also got a 2-1 victory as a 55th-minute goal from Jeremiah Williams led them to a comeback win against RSSR.

Queen’s Park Cricket Club FC got a pair of first-half goals from Trinity College East star Khaleem Prince as they got a 3-0 win away to Prison Service Ignite, with Police FC II blanking tier two’s defending champions Harlem Strikers by a 2-0 margin in Caroni.

In group two, Defence Force II took up the winning pattern from their tier one team as second-half goals from striker Dwight Quintero and midfielder Philip Tinto pushed them to a 2-0 win over San Fernando Giants at the Defence Force reserves’ ground in Macqueripe. There were a number of tight clashes in group two, with Central Soccer World and and MIC Matura Reunited playing to a 1-1 draw, and Union Hall Utd and Petit Valley/Diego Martin United playing out a goalless stalemate.

Elsewhere, TTPFL newcomers Evolution FC started their debut season in style as a 34th-minute free kick from Tristen Solomon guided them to a 1-0 victory over Club Sando II in Edinburgh, Chaguanas.

AIA Eagles FC also had a narrow win, with a 53rd-minute goal from Isaiah Isaac sealing a 2-1 comeback victory against Guaya United.

Tier two matches will continue on January 25.

TTPFL tier two results


Group 1

Bethel United 2, Sidey's Sports Club 1

Malabar Youngstars 2, RSSR 1

UTT FC 9, Miscellaneous Laventille Utd 1

Prison Service Ignite 0, QPCC 3

Harlem Strikers 0, Police FC II 2


Group 2

Evolution FC 1, Club Sando FC II 0

Union Hall Utd 0, Petit Valley/Diego Martin Utd 0

San Fernando Giants 0, Defence Force II 2

Central Soccer World 1, MIC Matura Reunited 1

AIA Eagles FC 2, Guaya Utd 1
The Conquering Lion of Judah shall break every chain.