Jamaica Premier League (110)
Montego Bay United continue decent start to JPL season with 1-0 win over Arnett Gardens
Montego Bay United continued their promising start to the Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Arnett Gardens in an entertaining encounter at the Montego Bay Stadium in Catherine Hall on Monday.
Captain Owayne Gordon was the hero of the night, scoring the decisive goal in the 40th minute to secure all three points for Rodolfo Zapata’s side. The win, their third of the campaign, moved Montego Bay United up to second on nine points, one point off leaders Cavalier on 10 points, while Arnett Gardens slipped to seventh on four points.
Zapata was visibly pleased with his team’s performance, lauding the effort and determination shown by the players throughout the match.
“I knew it was going to be a very exciting game; it was very interesting from a tactical aspect, and tactics are very important, but if you don’t have the technique, it won’t work. So I am very proud of my boys and the performance they put in," the Argentine tactician said.
“They (Arnett Gardens) are a good team so I have different tactical systems that I work with in games like these. We started with 3-3-3-1, and during the game I had to change, but my players responded to my coaching, and I am so proud of them, especially of that high-class finish,” he added.
It was a lively start by teams as they showed good attacking intent in end-to-end action, much to the delight of the sizeable crowd.
Both threw their weight in attack and tested their respective goalkeeper’s readiness in a few half chances in the opening half-hour.
However, Montego Bay United, led by Gordon, gradually gained the ascendancy, as they were more enterprising in the attacking third, stretching Arnett Gardens defence, which was slow to regroup.
The all-important goal by Gordon, his 77th in an outstanding JPL career, was the culmination of a well-executed build up that showcased Montego Bay United’s swift and effective transition play.
Gordon collected a pass on the break down the left channel and held his composure to delicately finish over the head of Asher Hutchinson in goal for Arnett Gardens to put Montego Bay United up at the break.
Montego Bay United remained in control at the restart and should have extended the lead on two occasions, but faulty execution proved their undoing.
The first came in the 48th when Gordon whipped in a weighted cross, but Lucas Lima Correa couldn't connect properly to get his header on target.
Nine minutes later, Tyrone Harrison danced his way through two defenders and fired on a cross for Shaneil Thomas, who steered the effort wide of the left upright.
As the chances came far and few in between, Arnett Gardens had their best look at goal in 69th when Warner Brown found himself with space and time to set for a left-footed effort from deep inside the 18-yard box. However, the usually clinical attacker hit his shot wide of the right upright, and that effort basically summed up the “Junglists” night.
Head coach Xavier Gilbert acknowledged that they were found wanting for the most parts.
“To be honest, Mobay was committed. I don’t think we were committed as much, especially in the first half, and it is something that we spoke about because we can’t give away the ball and don’t have that urgency to win it back immediately. It has been haunting us for the last four or five games, but we are still trying to fix it.
“It is still a long season and we just have to be better at keeping the ball. Also, the end product just wasn’t there and it is just one of those games. I said it to Kimani [Arbouine] because he has been doing well but tonight just wasn’t his night,” Gilbert reasoned.
Matchweek Four Results
Molynes United 4, Chapelton Maroons 0
Humble Lion 1, Harbour View 1
Portmore United 2, Vere United 0
Tivoli Gardens 0, Waterhouse 1
Cavalier 4, Dunbeholden 1
Mount Pleasant 4, Racing United 0
Montego Bay United 1, Arnett Gardens 0
Molynes United pick up first points of season with 4-0 win over Chapelton Maroons; Portmore United, Warehouse also secure victories
Molynes United, Portmore United and Waterhouse all picked up wins in the latest round of the Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League on Sunday.
Molynes picked up their first points of the season with a dominant 4-0 win over Chapelton Maroons at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.
Honors were even until six minutes before halftime when Jevaughn Brown gave Molynes United the lead.
The scoring was completed in the second half by Mickel Graham (53’, 71’) and Taraj Andrews (86’) as the Kingston-based club secured their first points of the young season.
Elsewhere, a 37th minute strike from Junior Grizelle and a second half stoppage time goal from Shacquwell Henry gave Portmore United a 2-0 win over Vere Phoenix United at Ferdie Neita Park.
In the day’s other games, Atapharoy Bygrave scored just before halftime for Waterhouse in a 1-0 win over Tivoli Gardens at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex while Humble Lion and Harbour View played out a 1-1 draw at the Effortville Community Centre.
Oquassa Chong gave Harbour View the lead in the 25th minute before Andre Clennon equalized for Humble Lion in the 67th.
On Monday, defending champions Cavalier SC will take on Dunbeholden at Sabina Park while a double-header at the Montego Bay Sports Complex will see Mount Pleasant facing Racing United before Montego Bay United battles Arnett Gardens.
Javier Brown's late strike the difference as Portmore United edge Tivoli Gardens 2-1 for first win
Portmore United finally broke their winless run in the 2024/25 Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) season when they edged Tivoli Gardens in a come-from-behind 2-1 scoreline at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Monday night.
The victory, secured by a late strike from substitute Javier Brown in the 89th minute, marked the St Catherine-based club’s first taste of success after three games, lifting the weight of early season pressure from their shoulders.
Junior Grizzelle (45+1) also struck for Portmore United, after 19-year-old Nickalia Fuller gave Tivoli Gardens a 40th-minute lead.
With the win, Portmore United moved up the standings from 13th to 10th, giving their fans and coach Rudolph Austin reason to hope that a revival is on the cards.
“It was a really good performance by the team; they went out there and they executed what we planned throughout the week, so hats off to them. They showed a lot of character when they went down and came back and won the game so that was brilliant. The fight they showed is the Portmore United I know, work hard, play to the end, and win games.
“That is why we won seven championships, so that is what I want my players to always do; go out and express themselves. Even if you make a mistake, keep going. So hopefully this is the start of a successful run for us but one thing I can tell you is that I won’t let up,” Austin declared in a post-game interview.
Romeo Guthrie marshalled Portmore United's midfield.
The former Reggae Boy turned coach also heaped praise on former Arnett Garden stalwart Romeo Guthrie, whose performance—marked by two assists—reinforced the importance of the team’s creative spark.
But the night belonged to former Vere United captain Brown, the unlikely hero who ensured Portmore United ended with three precious points.
“When I used to play against Vere United, he [Brown] was always in our box, so I knew he had that in him, and he was hungry to deliver for us. But I can’t leave out Guthrie; I think he had a very good game... all the guys played well, but I think Guthrie was outstanding,” Austin added.
The match unfolded as a one-sided affair for the most part, as Portmore United dictated the pace and forced Tivoli Gardens back for long spells. In fact, they peppered Tivoli’s goal with 15 shots, 10 of which were on target, displaying a level of control and intent that had been missing in their earlier fixtures.
Grizzelle fired Portmore United’s first warning shot in the third minute that caught Tivoli Gardens’ goalkeeper Diego Haughton off his line, but the effort kissed the crossbar on its way out.
Five minutes later, Jahien Rose also pulled the trigger from a distance, but that shot was tipped over by Haughton diving full stretch.
Tivoli Gardens later settled and went close through Fuller, who drove into the 18-yard box and got off a left-footed effort that was kept out by Daniel Russell in goal for Portmore United.
However, Fuller, a former Excelsior High standout, broke the deadlock on his second attempt, as he released a delightful left-footed strike from a tight angle outside the 18-yard box that had Russell well beaten.
That was all the West Kingston team would get as they only mustered four shots, with Fuller’s efforts the only two on target.
Such was Portmore United’s dominance from that point on as Guthrie stamped his mark on the game. The industrious playmaker, who was at the heart of most of Portmore United’s attacking moves, provided the assist for the equaliser on the stroke of the interval.
He dispossessed a defender deep in Tivoli Gardens quarters and played off a pass for Grizzelle, whose tap in left Haughton rooted to the spot as they went to the break with the score levelled at 1-1.
Junior Grizzelle scored the opener.
But even with the scores level, the momentum never truly shifted away from Portmore after the interval. They pressed forward relentlessly in a sustained attacking spell that forced Tivoli to defend deep and absorb pressure.
Tedj Bryan should have put Portmore United ahead in the 47th when he picked up a poor clearance from Haughton, but his tame effort was kept out by the custodian, who stuck out the right leg.
They thought they had the breakthrough in the 65th when Okelo Howard played a timely through pass into the final third for Tarick Ximines to finish, but the goal was called back for an offside.
Ximines was at it again in the 75th as he outmuscled a defender on his way towards goal. However, his final effort was denied by Haughton's outstretched right leg.
As the clock ticked down, it seemed the go-ahead goal would elude Portmore United, and they would have to settle for another frustrating draw.
Enter Brown, who replaced Ximines in the attack.
In the dying embers of the match, Guthrie once again turned provider, threading a clever pass into Brown’s path. With a burst of pace and a clinical finish, Brown drove a firm right-footer past the slightly advanced Haughton to send the Portmore bench and fans into frenzy.
Tivoli Gardens Head coach Jerome Waite acknowledged that his team needs to be sharper and more assertive as their defensive effort was found wanting, while their inability to match Portmore United’s intensity was glaring.
“We defeated ourselves because the two goals came from poor defensive errors and Portmore United capitalised on both of them. It is our second game, so we still have a lot of work to do, and at the same time they will have to learn and understand where the system of play is concerned,” Waite said.
Matchweek 3 Results
Harbour View 2, Molynes United 1
Vere United 1, Humble Lion 1
Waterhouse 0, Cavalier 2
Arnett Gardens 1, Racing United 1
Chapelton Maroons 0, Montego Bay United 1
Portmore United 2, Tivoli Gardens 1
Dunbeholden vs Mount Pleasant (Postponed)
Cavalier SC triumphs over 10-man Waterhouse in dominant 2-0 win; Humble Lion held by Vere Phoenix
Defending champions Cavalier SC delivered a commanding 2-0 victory over a 10-man Waterhouse FC at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Sunday, climbing to the top of the Jamaica Premier League standings. Early goals from Jalmaro Calvin and Dwayne Atkinson sealed the win, leaving Waterhouse struggling after goalkeeper Kemar Foster was sent off in the first half.
Cavalier wasted little time asserting their dominance. Calvin fired the opening goal in the 12th minute after Atkinson skillfully turned his defender inside out and set up Calvin to score from six yards out. The defending champions nearly doubled their lead in the 24th minute, but Adrian Reid Jr couldn’t convert a free kick from close range.
Waterhouse’s fortunes worsened in the 32nd minute when a poor back pass from Nickoy Christian forced goalkeeper Kemar Foster into a last-ditch tackle outside the box, resulting in a straight red card. With substitute goalkeeper John Wilson brought on, the pressure mounted. Just three minutes after entering the game, Wilson's pass from the back was intercepted by Atkinson, who slotted home to make it 2-0.
Atkinson nearly added a third goal two minutes before halftime, rattling the crossbar after more defensive errors from Waterhouse. Despite being a man down, Waterhouse showed resilience in the second half, with Elvis Wilson coming close to pulling one back with a towering header that Cavalier’s goalkeeper Vino Barclett had to save at full stretch.
However, Cavalier continued to exploit Waterhouse’s defensive lapses, with Shaquille Stein hitting the post in the 55th minute after another error at the back. Waterhouse failed to mount a significant comeback, and Cavalier comfortably saw out the match to claim their second win of the season.
The victory lifts Cavalier to seven points, one ahead of Harbour View, who secured a 2-1 victory over Molynes United earlier in the day.
Elsewhere, Humble Lion were left frustrated after conceding a stoppage-time equalizer in a 1-1 draw with Vere United at the Wembley Centre of Excellence. Dominating much of the match despite the wet conditions, Humble Lion took the lead in the 73rd minute through a penalty from Karim Bryan after Vere defender Michael Forbes was sent off for bringing down Andre Clennon in the box.
However, Vere, despite being a man down, fought back in the dying moments of the game. Substitute schoolboy Kishane Gordon found the back of the net in stoppage time, slotting home after a neat pass from Josiah Daniel to snatch a point for Vere United.
Harbour View made their return to their home ground at Compound a successful one, securing a 2-1 win over Molynes United. The victory moves Harbour View to six points, just behind Cavalier on the Jamaica Premier League table.
In the late game on Sunday, Arnett Gardens and Racing United played to a exciting 1-1 draw.
Cavalier SC begin title defense with come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Portmore United
Reigning Jamaica Premier League champions Cavalier SC began their title defense in dramatic fashion with a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Portmore United at Sabina Park on Sunday. Cavalier, who lost twice to Portmore United last season, found themselves trailing early after Tarick Ximines gave Portmore the lead in the 19th minute. However, Cavalier responded swiftly with Jalmaro Calvin netting the equalizer just six minutes later.
The turning point came in the 60th minute when an own goal from Portmore’s Akeem Mullings handed Cavalier the decisive advantage, securing all three points to kick off their season on a high note.
Elsewhere in the Jamaica Premier League, Vere United rebounded from their opening loss to Montego Bay United with a 3-1 win over Molynes United. Roshawn Oldfield opened the scoring for Vere in the 11th minute, but Jeremy Nelson quickly equalized two minutes later. Vere, determined to avoid another setback, restored their lead in the 25th minute through Denzel McKenzie before Romarion Thomas sealed the win with a late goal in added time.
Promoted side Racing United also celebrated their first-ever win in the top flight, edging Dunbeholden FC 1-0. Mikyle Williams' 40th-minute strike proved the difference, earning Racing United a valuable three points after their narrow 1-0 loss to Waterhouse FC in their opening game.
Meanwhile, Humble Lion and Tivoli Gardens played to a 0-0 stalemate, with both teams settling for a point in a tightly contested match.
The early rounds of the Jamaica Premier League have already delivered plenty of action, with Cavalier SC's comeback setting the tone for what promises to be another thrilling season.
Marcel Gayle expects more improvement as Waterhouse clip Racing United 1-0 in season opener
Having shaken the first game jitters with a hard-fought 1-0 win over promoted Racing United, Waterhouse's Head coach, Marcel Gayle, is expecting his team to improve significantly throughout the Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) season.
In fact, Gayle pointed out that consistently securing clean sheets is high on the agenda for their title run this season as they are benchmarking their performance against last season’s campaign, where they lost to Mount Pleasant in the semi-finals.
Though they dominated proceedings for the most parts, Waterhouse did not have things their own way, as they survived a late surge from their St Catherine opponents to secure the win courtesy of Atapharoy Bygrave’s all-important 52nd-minute strike at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Monday.
In all honesty, Waterhouse should have won by a wider margin, but they failed to please where it mattered most—in the final third—as Bygrave squandered a number of chances, though Caryle Holmes came up big in goal for Racing United on a few of those occasions.
Still, Gayle took heart from his team’s performance, which he views as a solid platform to build on for the season, which will be contested over three rounds, back up from two rounds last season.
“We deserved to win the game; hats off to Racing United’s goalkeeper for keeping the scoreline to what it was, but nevertheless, I thought we played well. We bossed the game; we gave up a little in the middle of the park, but it’s a work in progress... it’s the first game, so now that the cobwebs are out the way, we know what we are about and will build from here,” Gayle said in a post-game interview.
“So it’s a positive start; it’s the first game, and we wanted everything to go right, which it didn't, but we see some areas that we can improve in and areas that we have improved on so far. As you can see, we got a clean sheet, and that is benchmark for us this season,” he added.
Waterhouse's Kemar Foster saves Rodave Murray's penalty.
Racing United started brightly with Rodave Murray firing the first warning shot, which interestingly was the only shot they got off in the first half.
This, as Waterhouse quickly found their rhythm and asserted their authority on the contest with fluent ball movements and some tidy build-ups—in patches—that unlocked Racing United’s defence on a number of occasions. However, the finishing touch eluded them.
Bygrave was at the centre of most of those chances, the best two of the lot coming in the latter stages of the first half. In the 40th, Bygrave applied a decent first touch from Leonardo Jibbison’s cross, but his effort was equally well-saved by Holmes.
The former Dunbeholden and Mount Pleasant striker was again in shooting range from Denardo Thomas’ pass in the 45+5, but his right-footer was again kept out by Holmes diving full stretch to his right to keep the score goalless at the break.
However, Waterhouse maintained the momentum on the resumption and inevitably broke the deadlock seven minutes in when Andre Smith's attempt was deflected into Bygrave's path and the striker made no mistake from close range on that occasion.
Racing United should have had their first top-flight goal in the 66th when Ranaldo Biggs played a delightful ball inside for Giovanni Cunningham, who was felled by Waterhouse's custodian Kemar Foster. However, Murray's tame effort was kept out by the custodian, who redeemed himself.
That was the start of a decent passage of play for Racing United, who found another opening in the 77th courtesy of Javaughn Cole, who couldn't keep his effort down.
In the 86th, substitute Diamond Clarke's freekick driven along the ground was kept out by Foster, who got down well to his left.
Two minutes later, Mikyle Williams drove a stinging right-footer that caught Foster going the wrong way, but the effort came back off the left upright.
Racing continued to probe for a share of the spoils, which they should have had, had Deandre Johnson kept his right-footed effort at close range down, with literally the final kick of the game.
Though disappointed with the outcome, Racing’s assistant coach Paul Walker took heart from his team’s display.
“I think we played well, but I think if we had approached the game better in the first half, we could have had a better result. So I am disappointed with the loss because we also need to put away our chances when we get them but we just have to go back to drawing board and hope for the best next game,” Walker noted.
Matchweek one results
Vere Phoenix United 1, Montego Bay United 4
Portmore United 0, Mount Pleasant 2
Arnett Gardens 3, Dunbeholden 0
Harbour View 1, Chapelton Maroons 2
Waterhouse 1, Racing United 0
Humble Lion vs Cavalier (postponed)
Tivoli Gardens vs Molynes United (postponed)
Positive start: Chapelton Maroons edge Harbour View 2-1 on return to top-flight football
It was a triumphant return to top-flight football for Chapelton Maroons and new head coach O’Neil ‘Bigga’ Thompson as they clipped former champions Harbour View 2-1 in their opening Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) encounter at the Anthony Spaulding Complex on Monday.
Javel Ellis (10th) and Nathaniel Howe (63rd) got the job done for the Clarendon-based team, which was relegated from the JPL two seasons ago. Andre Fagan (59th), pulled one back for Harbour View, who are now being guided by Jason ‘Buju’ Henry.
Thompson, who was an assistant at another Clarendon outfit, Humble Lion, expressed delight at his team’s positive start.
“Every team in the Premier League is prepared to win their first game. Sometimes it goes for you and sometimes it goes against you. So I feel extremely pleased to start off the season with three points. We will continue to work on the areas we want to improve on. But so far, I am satisfied with the performance of the team,” Thompson said in a post-game interview.
Chapelton, intent on giving a more competitive account of themselves this time around, were more purposeful in the early exchanges, as they applied pressure to Harbour View’s defensive line and were duly rewarded for their efforts.
This, as Ellis capitalise on a goalkeeping error by Harbour View’s Romario Palma with an easy finish from close range.
Seemingly content with their lead, Chapelton gradually took a defensive posture and absorbed pressure from Harbour View, who eventually got into their rhythm, but failed to make it count in the final third as the score remain unchanged at the break.
Like they did at the start, Chapelton were again more spirited on the resumption and created a few half chances, which amounted to nothing.
That allowed Harbour View back into the contest as Fagan expertly headed home from Tahair Lawrence’s cross to pull the ‘Stars of the East’ level.
However, Howe ensured the points went Chapelton’s way when he fired past Palma three minutes past the hour mark.
Try as they did, Harbour View were unable to find the elusive equaliser and, as such, were left to pick up the pieces heading into the second match week, something defender Romaine Brackenridge is confident they will do.
“We are a young unit. Despite the result, the guys came out and tried their best. So we have to improve on this going forward. It’s still early days. We have a long season ahead and we have players still to come in. So the Harbour View you saw today (Monday), you can expect better things going forward,” Brackenridge declared.
Montego Bay United, Arnett Gardens, Mount Pleasant secure wins to open 2024-25 Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League
Montego Bay United FC, Arnett Gardens FC and Mount Pleasant Academy all secured wins on Sunday’s first day of the 2024-25 Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) season.
Four-time champions Montego Bay United were the biggest winners of the opening week, securing a 4-1 victory over Vere Phoenix United FC at the Wembley Centre of Excellence, their first opening game win since they joined Jamaica’s top football league 13 years ago.
MBU took the lead in the seventh minute through newcomer Jordan Britto before Vere got on level terms four minutes later through Damion Thomas.
That score held through the rest of the first half but the second half was all Montego Bay United as Brian Brown, captain Owayne Gordon and Shaniel Thomas all scored within 15 minutes of each other to complete the 4-1 score line.
At the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex, a Warner Brown double in the ninth and 10th minutes and a 55th minute goal from Kimani Arbouine gave Arnett Gardens a 3-0 win over Dunbeholden FC.
Last season’s beaten finalists, Mount Pleasant Academy, opened their season with a 2-0 win over Portmore United at Ferdie Neita Park.
The goals for the Theodore Whitmore-led unit came from Sue-Lae McCalla in the 27th minute and Shaquille Bradford in first half stoppage time.
Not so: Ferguson denies return to Mount Pleasant as part of Whitmore's staff as St Ann club parts ways with Harold Thomas
While news has circulated that Mount Pleasant FA has parted ways with Harold Thomas and has started negotiations for the return of Theodore ‘Tappa’ Whitmore and his staff, one such member, Davion Ferguson, has dispelled the rumours about his return to the St Ann club.
Unconfirmed reports are that Thomas and his staff, who were brought in to replace Whitmore's staff at the end of last season, have since been dismissed after only one game in charge –a 2-0 loss to Cavalier in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup at Sabina Park on Tuesday.
It has also been widely circulated that Whitmore and his coaching staff, which led the St Ann-based club to its first ever Jamaica Premier League (JPL) title in the 2022-23 season and lost last season’s final to Cavalier in a penalty shootout, could make a return to take the reins.
Efforts to get confirmation from Mount Pleasant’s management proved futile. However, Ferguson, who was Whitemore’s assistant, rubbished the claims on his part.
Ferguson, rated as one of the brightest young tacticians in the region, was recently contracted by Portmore United ahead of the upcoming JPL season.
“I am currently on my way to Portmore United’s training now, so I don’t know where they got that news from because I am contracted to Portmore United, and as far as I know, I am still the coach of Portmore United,” Ferguson told SportsMax.Tv.
Racing United faces financial hurdles as they prepare for Jamaica Premier League debut
Racing United FC, the newly promoted team to the Jamaica Premier League (JPL), is gearing up for their inaugural season in Jamaica's top-flight football competition. With the 2024 JPL season set to kick off on September 15, the team is working tirelessly to ensure they are ready to compete at the highest level, despite facing significant financial challenges.
Managed by Nigel Walker and coached by Anthony Patrick, Racing United has been in training since early July, focusing on getting their squad in peak condition ahead of the season opener. "The season is starting early this year on September 15, and we are pushing for full readiness. I can say right now we are at about 80 per cent readiness," Walker told Sportsmax.TV as he reflected on the team's commitment to being fully prepared.
Racing United secured their spot in the JPL by defeating Westmoreland-based Reno FC 2-1 on aggregate in the promotion playoffs, marking a significant achievement for the club. However, the transition from amateur to professional football has brought with it the need for greater financial resources. Walker highlighted that while the team is prepared on the field, securing the necessary funding for a more demanding and extended season remains a pressing concern.
"Our biggest challenge so far has been financial, as we are no longer an amateur team. Now in the premier league, it requires financial resources, and with this season being longer with three rounds, we need more support," Walker explained. The club is currently in discussions with potential sponsors, and Walker is optimistic about finalizing these talks soon.
To strengthen their squad, Racing United has been active in the transfer market, bringing in 10 new players with Premier League experience. Although the names of these players have not been officially released, as final details are still being worked out, Walker emphasized the importance of these signings. He credited Coach Patrick for his role in selecting players who will bring valuable experience and skill to the team.
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Malta hosts holistic workshop to elevate development of local footballers
Recognizing how critically important it has become for local footballers to excel beyond just technical skills on the field of play, Malta, in partnership with Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL), hosted the “Malta Holistic Workshop” on Saturday, August 17, at The Summit in Kingston.
With a focus on enhancing physical fitness, proper nutrition, and fostering mental resilience, the brand’s initiative under the Malta Sparks campaign addressed key areas like balancing academics with athletics, conflict resolution, self-marketing, branding, and media management offering a well-rounded strategy for athletic growth.
“This workshop has provided me with valuable strategies to better support my son on his athletic journey, especially in managing stress and time—challenges he often encounters. I know a lot of other young athletes struggle with many of the focus areas today and so, I am truly inspired as a parent by this initiative,” said Sherridean Orridge, the mother of Romane Foster who plays for Jamaica Premier League club Portmore United.
“I know there was a nutrition session hosted about a month ago so I commend Malta and PFJL, for their exceptional work with our footballers, and I sincerely hope to see more initiatives like this in the future.”
The educational sessions engaged participants from four Premier League Clubs: Mount Pleasant Academy, Waterhouse FC, Portmore United, and Harbour View FC. The workshop featured session leaders, including veteran coach and Malta Brand Ambassador Neville Bell, Sports Teacher and Lifestyle Coach Krisneve Palmer, Sports Marketing Consultant Tanya Lee Perkins, Communications Expert Stacy-Ann Smith, and Sports Psychologist Dr. Olivia Rose.
“It was commendable to see both guardians and footballers participating in the workshop. This experience has provided athletes with a broader perspective on how to represent themselves, an aspect that is often overshadowed by the focus on athletic performance,” Owen Hill, CEO of Professional Football Jamaica Limited remarked.
“By investing in their holistic development, we are preparing our local football stars to excel not only on the national stage but also to present themselves as the best version of who they can be.”
Contributed:
Chief Executive Officer of Professional Football Jamaica Limited, Owen Hill, delivered a pep talk to Mount Pleasant Football Club footballers during the lunch break of the Malta Holistic Workshop, held at The Summit.
Kick-starting the event, Bell emphasized in his speech that discipline is the greatest asset a footballer can possess. The veteran coach highlighted that “discipline not only paves the way to success but also that—to be a great footballer, one must have the right attitude and a strong sense of self-worth”.
Adding to the discussion, Dr. Rose advised parents to create a safe environment and maintain open communication with coaches, noting that athletes thrive when they see the rewards of their hard work, which boosts their confidence.
Media Communication Consultant Stacy-Ann Smith helped the players improve on their communication skills through mock media-interview exercises and public speaking activities. This was complemented by Sports Marketing Consultant Tanya Lee Perkins, who offered tips on self-marketing and encouraged active social media engagement to build a solid personal brand.
The workshop concluded with Lifestyle Coach Palmer, who provided guidance on balancing academics and football and highlighted that education offers diverse career opportunities beyond sports.
"With this holistic workshop, we aimed to provide both guardians and athletes with an experience that offers practical ways to best care for their social and mental well-being, targeting multiple layers of growth and development. We must commend the guardians and coaches for being a part of this experience and for their continuous support,” said Malta Junior Brand Manager Cavell Robinson.
“As part of the Malta Sparks campaign, we plan to conceptualize more initiatives like this in the future. With this it is our hope that these young talents will blossom and develop in ways that will make us all proud."
As Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum enters into the second year of its partnership with the Jamaica Premier League (JPL), it launched new-look jerseys at the Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum Festival.
The patrons of the festival, held at the Catherine’s Hall Sports Complex on July 18, 2023, experienced a fashion show showcasing six of the 14 team’s jerseys.
The fashion show unveiled the new kits for JPL 2024 season winner Cavalier FC, and the runner-up Mount Pleasant Football Academy. Also highlighted were the jerseys for Harbour View FC, Portmore United FC and Arnett Gardens FC and Montego Bay United FC (MBUFC).
On hand to see the show were executives of MBUFC, who lead the only top-tier professional football club from Jamaica’s western region, including Coach Rodolfo Zapata, General Manager Sumil Reid and Director Anthony Cameron.
“These jerseys are another manifestation of the Wray Rum partnership with the JPL, said Kerry-Ann Bryan, brand manager of Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum. “Our patrons at the Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum Festival were the first to see and appreciate this next layer of support.
“Wray & Nephew has been a storied sponsor of football in Jamaica. We offer over $300 million in support across the Jamaica Football Federation national men’s and women’s programmes as well as to the JPL and Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA),” Bryan explained after the jerseys were revealed.
The kits were produced in partnership with Admiral and brandish bold colours, unique patterns, and details that represent each club, its surrounding community and showcases each Football Club’s history. The 14 JPL teams will utilise the home and away vibrant kit designs for 2024/25 season.
Having launched the kits, Rum Fest eventgoers had the opportunity to get first dibs on their jersey pick from the Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum football-themed festival booth.
The JPL and Admiral collection can also be purchased online via the Admiral website, or at the Locker Room Sports location in Kingston.
New chapter: Simmonds highlights ambitious plans for upcoming JPL season as Dunbeholden FC parts ways with “Teacha” Hyde
With a new head coach on the horizon and a commitment to excellence, Roger Simmonds, general manager of Dunbeholden FC says the club is embracing a new era that is focused on strategic growth and, by extension, becoming perennial title contenders in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL).
In fact, it is the implementation of that for propelling the club to new heights, and Lenworth “Teacha” Hyde’s ability –or lack thereof –to align with the movement that Simmonds said resulted in the club parting ways with the coach on Wednesday, ahead of preseason preparation for the upcoming 2024-25 JPL season.
Hyde, who took the reins from Harold Thomas for the 2023-24 campaign, guided the St Catherine-based club to an eighth-place finish on 37 points, having won 10 of their 26 games, while losing nine and drawing seven.
"The club's management was always in dialogue with Mr. Hyde and the coaching Staff from the beginning of last season and throughout the season, as we sought to align our vision and philosophy while maintaining a high level of performance on and off the field,” Simmonds shared.