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Back to back to back. Central FC set down a new marker in the 17 year history of the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League today, as they became the first time to win three successive league titles.
The “Couva Sharks” dropped just seven points whole season and lost only once. And, against a typically stubborn San Juan Jabloteh team at the Ato Boldon Stadium this afternoon, coach Dale Saunders’ troops again found a way to win.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
Rundell Winchester’s 41st minute item was the game’s only goal, as Central ground out a 1-0 win. It meant an unprecedented third straight league title—all worth TT$1 million each.
“This season was more special [than my first Pro League title last year] because it was back to back,” Central coach Dale Saunders told Wired868. “I want to give credit to my backroom staff, the management and the players because they worked really hard for this title.”
There were only around 400 spectators in Couva to witness the occasion. This has been another tough year for the local top flight competition which suffered from financial instability off the field and a shortage of entertainment on it.
But there was still something to appreciate in Central’s dogged consistency over the 18-match season.
Jabloteh gave it a good go today with giant forward Jamal Gay and midfield captain Damian Williams particularly keen to influence the result. But Central were resolute as always while veteran central defender Julius James—who was a mid-season transfer acquisition—was flawless at the back.
It was enough to hold off a remarkable surge by DIRECTV W Connection who won their last seven successive matches—excluding today’s affair—but still finished one point behind behind Central, despite scoring the most goals (50) and conceding the fewest (13) of any top flight team.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
Connection downed Ma Pau Stars 2-0 at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella this afternoon—with second half strikes by Grenadian Jamal Charles and skipper Hughtun Hector—but were powerless to stop Central’s coronation.
The fourth placed Ma Pau, who were without coach Ross Russell due to commitments with the National Under-20 team, offered little danger to Julani Archibald in the Connection goal and seemed to focus more on containing their opponents as opposed to scoring themselves.
Veteran striker Jason Scotland, who has a UEFA B coaching license, headed the technical staff today while the evergreen Kerry Baptiste led the forward line instead. But, despite countless saves from custodian Glenroy Samuel, the Stars could not deny the “Savonetta Boys” the three points at stake.
It was not enough for the million dollar first prize, though.
“First of all I would like to congratulate Central FC on their success in winning the league for a third season straight,” said Connection coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier. “I think that’s very, very good by any standard in any league anywhere. And I want to congratulate them for that.
“In terms of us, I want to congratulate my players for the effort they put in, especially in the last round. Because when the round started we were seven points behind Central and many persons felt that the league was over. But we came back and won all eight games in the last round [after losing to Central]…
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
“It was unfortunate that we were not able to be crowned champions after having the best offensive and defensive record. But that’s football. We have to put the league behind us now and concentrate on the Pro Bowl because that’s the last competition for the season.”
Central only had eyes for the giant Pro League trophy, which was brought to the venue by Pro League administrative manager, Julia Baptiste.
But Jabloteh, who kicked off with ex-Central title winners Javon Sample and Akeem Benjamin in their squads, did not make it easy. Even though the Sharks always seemed just a tad more decisive.
Central should have opened the scoring in the 24th minute, as forward Yohan Peltier stripped opposing defender Josiah Trimmingham but, just inside the Jabloteh box, he opted to pass rather than shoot and his strike partner, Jason Marcano, was closed down by Jabloteh defender Jevon Morris.
There was no stopping Winchester though, four minutes before the interval, as he crept away from his marker, Benjamin, for a free header at the back post off a Darren Mitchell cross.
It was Winchester’s first goal this season, after the Tobago-born attacker rejoined the squad last month. On his last outing, he was ejected by referee Crystal Sobers after losing his head against Defence Force and speaking out of turn. But this was much better use of his cabeza.
Looking on are Jabloteh players Nathan Lewis (far right) and Josiah Trimmingham.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
There was a Jabloteh shout for a penalty within seconds, as Leston Paul’s attempted clearance came off his own hand. But referee Keilon Bacchus was unconvinced.
Three minutes into the second half, there was the first genuine scare for Central as their defence failed to deal with a Tyrone Charles cross and the ball ricocheted to Trimmingham with a one on one from eight yards.
The former National Under-20 defender hit straight to Williams.
Try as they might, Jabloteh could get no closer to a result. And it is worth noting that Williams was rarely threatened in goal for Central.
Credit James for a tough, perceptive display in central defence against an inspired Gay. Three years ago, Yohance Marshall played himself into international contention with a sterling showing for the Sharks. James, who spent four seasons in the US Major League Soccer (MLS), might easily have done the same.
But today was about the team started from scratch by managing director Brent Sancho and operations director Kevin Harrison, in mid-2012, that became serial winners.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
Saunders was assistant to former coaches Zoran Vranes and Terry Fenwick when Central won their first league title in 2014/15. And, as boss, he managed to maintain their tempo and tactical flexibility.
“There is not a team in the Pro League that trains as hard as us,” said Saunders. “We work hard on the training ground, day in [and] day out and the players bought into it. We just made hard work a part of [what we do].
“Winning is a habit at Central FC.”
Central’s consistency and drive under Saunders is particularly remarkable considering the regular turnover of playing staff, as they had to do without talented employees like Marcus Joseph, Andre Ettienne, Nathaniel Garcia and Kaydion Gabriel for various reasons over the course of the six month season.
But, with assistant coach Stern John conspicuously close by his side, Saunders always found the right answer—as Central continued to rack up points whether it was with left back Kevon Villaroel in central defence or midfielder Nathaniel “Spanish” Garcia or forward Jem Gordon at full back.
“No matter what players we put on the park, we always get a result because we have a philosophy within the club,” said Saunders, who credited Sancho’s eye for talent. “Whoever comes in, comes with a certain attitude to get the job done.”
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
No matter the combination of the starting team, Marcano, Paul, Williams and, above all, the tireless captain, Mitchell, were always at the heart of everything constructive for the Couva-based team.
The result was the most dominant force in Pro League history.
(Teams)
Central FC (4-3-3): 21.Jan-Michael Williams (GK); 26.Jem Gordon, 33.Julius James, 3.Keion Goodridge, 24.Kevon Villaroel; 5.Keston George, 6.Leston Paul, 11.Darren Mitchell (captain); 17.Johan Peltier (8.Sean De Silva 67), 7.Jason Marcano (45.Tyrik John 86), 77.Rundell Winchester,
Unused substitutes: 30.Akel Clarke (GK), 10.Keron Cummings, 12.Kishun Seecharan, 15.Kaydion Gabriel, 29.Jabari Carasquero.
Coach: Dale Saunders
San Juan Jabloteh (4-2-3-1): 1.Javon Sample (GK), 12.Kion Joseph, 18.Jevon Morris, 17.Josiah Trimmingham, 6.Akeem Benjamin; 9.Keithy Simpson (19.Aaqil Campbell 80), 11.Damian Williams (captain); 8.Keyon Edwards (14.Vernon Mills 58), 16.Jairo Lombardo (10.Tyrone Charles 46), 27.Nathan Lewis; 7.Jamal Gay.
Unused substitutes: 30.Shemel Louison (GK), 23.Kennedy Hinkson, 5.Elijah Manners, 20.Jabari Mayers, 15.Jerome McIntyre.
Coach: Keith Jeffrey
Referee: Keilon Bacchus
Wired868 Man of the Match: Julius James (Central FC)
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
Pro League results
(Friday 3 February)
St Ann’s Rangers 3 (Che Benny 62, 85, Jameel Antoine 82), Club Sando 3 (Joel Lewis 3, Akeem Humphrey 12, Shaquille Holder 55) at Ato Boldon Stadium;
Police FC 1 (Jameel Perry 2), Morvant Caledonia Utd 1 (Lester Joseph 64) at Ato Boldon Stadium;
(Saturday 4 February)
Point Fortin Civic v Defence Force, 5pm, Mahaica Oval;
*—Match stopped due to poor lights with Defence Force leading 6-0 and over 20 minutes left to play.
(Sunday 5 February)
San Juan Jabloteh 0, Central FC 1 (Rundell Winchester 41) at Ato Boldon Stadium;
Ma Pau Stars 0, W Connection 2 (Jamal Charles 53, Hughtun Hector 80) at Mannie Ramjohn Stadium;
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
Standings (Tabulated as Won-Drawn-Lost-Goals For-Goals Against-Points)
Central FC 18-15-2-1-41-14-47
W Connection 18-15-1-2-50–13-46
S/Juan Jabloteh 18-9-2-7-32-23-29
Ma Pau Stars 18-8-4-6-33-29-28
Club Sando 18-7-4-7-33-34-25
Defence Force 17-6-2-9-24-30-20
Police FC 18-5-5-8-36-35-20
S/A Rangers 18-4-5-9-23-39-17
M’vt Caledonia 18-2-6-10-19-32-12
Point Fortin 17-1-3-13-17–59-6
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
Pro League scorers
11—Akeem Roach [2 pen] (Club Sando),
10—Jameel Perry (Police FC),
9—Darren Mitchell (Central FC), Devorn Jorsling [2 pen] (Defence Force), Jerrel Britto (Ma Pau Stars), Dimitrie Apai (W Connection),
8—Jamille Boatswain [7 goals for Point Fortin Civic], Hashim Arcia (Defence Force), Jason Scotland [1 pen] (Ma Pau Stars), Hughtun Hector, Jamal Charles (W Connection),
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
Editor’s Note: Reporting on the W Connection v Ma Pau Stars game was provided by Roneil Walcott.
Defence Force led Point Fortin Civic 6-0 when the lights at the Mahaica Oval went out last night with roughly 20 minutes left to play. Hashim Arcia and Jamille Boatswain had already banged in two goals each—Devorn Jorsling missed the match through injury.
Should the remainder of the match be played and either Arcia or Boatswain scores again, they will match Club Sando forward Akeem Roach’s 11 goal mark this season which is the best in the competition.
So the Pro League Golden Boot prize will certainly go to one from that trio.
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Lasana Liburd is the managing director and chief editor at Wired868.com and a journalist with over 20 years experience at several Trinidad and Tobago and international publications including Play the Game, World Soccer, UK Guardian and the Trinidad Express.
Had several orders from Canada and USA and one from Italy!
Kevin Harrison the Central FC kit is quite the rave on Twitter
What was the final outcome of the Point Fortin vs Defence Force match? Defence Force had a 6-0 lead with 20 minutes to go when the lights failed. Is this the final result?
No. But god knows if that will get played. Lol. Hope so as two players there can get the golden boot title.
Brian Jordan I will answer that question for you, they will always be coming back because they will not stop trying to sell their players to real professional teams abroad in other to make plenty monies and also knowing the owner and Stern John they will definitely start seeking sponsors and maybe investors abroad in my second sweetest country because that is the way to go but they might have to really keep the owner in check with respect to his corrupted ways and just imagine that we always thought that meh uncle Jack was the only one that was so corrupted in our sweet country eh. Them really good yes.
And for many years I have been saying that the football is playing in the wrong place in order to get the real crowd support that you speak about Kevin Harrison it needs to be in the communities and look at the madness the pro league did this season eh, teams that are playing at venues and they have nothing to do with the area eh, what madness is that eh, and that is the same thing that I told my police officers that when I left the police service 30 yrs ago and I have now returned and was asked to come on board, the field in the Barracks on Long Circular road is in the same condition that I left it in and that should be our home field, so in order to have a real professional impact in the professional league there is 3 things that needs to be done (1) The field needs to be fixed with seating for about 3000 people in order to give our players the real professional atmosphere. (2) My players when they finished playing any games shouldn’t be guarding no President house or whoever else BIG SHOTS, just imagine we have an international goal keeper representing our national team Adrian Foncette eh, they should be doing community work and make certain that the youngsters in our communities play the sports which will also deter them for crimes and other madness while they are also doing their intel, and (3) There must be a room that belongs to the team where the video set up so that the players can watch games of their opponents and of course themselves to always see their mistakes and correct them, hence the reason why I always say that the only real professional team in our sweet country is W- Connection because I know that Prof Stuart Charles Fevrier and Earl Jean doesn’t stick when it comes to reviewing the games and putting game plans together whenever they play against their opponents but later tonight when we meet them in the final tournament the “Pro Bowl” it will be a done deal because it will be $ 1000 for the goals eh, so it will be licks like peas since we never beat them before. Them really good yes. hahahahahaha
Oh lord…mango…good luck tonight
Same to you and my Prof Stuart Charles Fevrier as always eh and I know that it will be an exciting game tonight LOL
Will be for sure…thanks..lol
I’m curious. Kevin Harrison, understanding things change.. If there is no government subvention, and prize monies for outstanding years aren’t paid, will Central be back in the Pro League next year??
Brian, good question.
Well I don’t know these men personally so I can’t say anything about their credibility…but I know my player Jason Marcano works hard for whichever team he plays for and that statement is unacceptable the Great JW did that for many years claiming the TTFA was in the red and he had to be paying out of his pocket only after years the truth be told where the money came from
Kevin Harrison feels that he is bright and continues to defend his corrupted owner because his pay day is always on point, they just want to continue exploiting our players like the same madness that they did with Levi Garcia and who knows how many other players, and just imagine the owner along with Shaka Hislop, Stern John, Kelvin Jack started the Professional Players Association to stop all this madness but instead decided to have his own professional team to exploit our players and always go to the bank smiling and Kevin Harrison who was also part of the Players Association in our mother country, should know better when it comes to defending our players rights. Them really good yes.
Earl Mango Pierre I’d like you to put in writing the examples of exploitation you speak of. And be very careful with what you write. You base a lot on hearsay but you’ve never bothered to find out the truth. Many players leave clubs around the world on bad terms. That doesn’t always mean it was the clubs fault. Often the players do not adhere to the clubs code of discipline. There are correct grievance procedures laid down by FIFA. Never once has Central fallen foul of these procedures.
It sounds like Central accepting verbal agreements by Sponsors,also you pay players out of pocket with the hope to be reimbursed..okay but you shouldn’t take the full prize money and say we have to take it because we did this and that without proper transparency from inception..In professional sports if there are fines in their contracts so should be bonuses…I am in no way denying what may be the truth but this is not how you run a professional club
I don’t know what you’re speaking of here. Again, sitting on your couch doesn’t give you the information you need to make statements. Sponsorship agreements are in writing. If a sponsor decides to pull out, we can of course sue them. We would need to find the funds to pay a very good lawyer to sue a multi million dollar company. The case would no doubt last several years, but we would probably win. Meantime, no other sponsor would touch us or other clubs. Fact is that they all had good intentions but their situations changed. It seemed better to take the hit and hope for some measure of support in the future. I also know that NLCB stepped out of a contract with a club. How you fighting that one? Next, bonuses are in every players contract. However, the level of bonus isn’t agreed until the competition prize is confirmed. In some cases, players would be owed 100% of bonuses. But in each case it states “payment within 14 days of club receiving full prize money” Every single club I’ve spoken to, in UK, USA and Trinidad have a fine system. It’s agreed with players each season. Players such as Leston Paul, or Darren Mitchell rarely receive fines. Others are fined every month. Usually it’s for missing training or arriving late. Leston travels from Mayaro every day and is never late. Read that as you like. Central may not fit your description of a professional club, and I agree we can improve, but under the conditions I think we are a great example to many clubs around the world. And remember, what we have achieved has been with 95% local players.
Only local players would stay with that treatment Kevin…but congratulations and I look forward to seeing better things from Central
Kurtwyn Baird thanks! We should have a beer one day. Between myself, Stern, Brent and James our GK coach, we’ll tell you some real horror stories from Europe about how footballers are treated! Club captains have their own fining system for the squad. All fines go to the boys Xmas party!
And in order to qualify for any World Cup eh, there must be a top of the line real professional league in our sweet country in order to do so and not just depend on our foreign base players eh. Them really good yes.
Earl Mango Pierre ok so you’re basically saying that you’re afraid of the challenge. You profess to be the man with all the answers, connections and links to top people, so why is it so hard to form a team and win a jokey league? Instead of answering with intelligence you use slander (or is it libel? Can never remember which is which), racism and pure insult. Come better or back off my friend.
Buh A A what ever rum that you is drinking you better change the brand eh Kevin Harrison because I don’t even know what racism , slander or insult are you speaking about eh, when did I ever use those things while speaking to you or anyone else, remind me nah, and when ever did I profess to be a man with connections and links to top people, definitely not to you or anyone else and neither on wired eh, so stop the lies that you accustom telling Mr. Man that you cannot even look in the faces of people when you are speaking to them.
Earl Mango Pierre you serious? You can’t remember what you wrote this evening?
“And just to let you know if the majority of the players were white and plying their trade in our bootleg professional league all that madness wouldn’t be happening” “and I am positively certain that more sponsors would have been on board and all the winnings would have been paid on time”
“Well the sponsors must pull out when they realized that they are dealing with owners who are corrupted and doesn’t want their names to be tarnished” “that doesn’t pay the winnings or coach any national teams who’s reputation is to continue to exploit our players and local Coaches eh Kevin Harrison”
So what is racist about what I said eh Kevin Harrison, you better stop playing naïve or just simply cannot handle the “TRUTH” eh man.
Earl Mango Pierre do you know what racism is? Why did you specifically state that white players would be treated different? If you said “foreigners” it would be intimating that outsiders are treated differently, but you specifically stated white. That to me is offensive. And guess what? As a white guy, when you single out my race, I’m allowed to be offended.
And I dun talk eh, have a good night and see you in the Pro Bowl final Central F. C. VS Police….
And just to let you know if the majority of the players were white and plying their trade in our bootleg professional league all that madness wouldn’t be happening and I am positively certain that more sponsors would have been on board and all the winnings would have been paid on time and that is how it is done in my second sweetest country steeuppss. Them really good yes.
Well the sponsors must pull out when they realized that they are dealing with owners who are corrupted and doesn’t want their names to be tarnished and you think that I will ever join any bootleg professional league with my professional team that doesn’t pay the winnings or coach any national teams who’s reputation is to continue to exploit our players and local Coaches eh Kevin Harrison steeuuppss. Them really good yes.
Earl Mango Pierre you are probably the most vocal person on the forum. So here’s a challenge. Create your own pro league team from scratch, raise the $3 million per year and when sponsors suddenly pull out, cover the players salaries out of your own pocket. Oh, and by the way, you can’t take any salary for yourself. What you can do is repay yourself out of any prize money you eventually receive (after paying bonuses). Go and win three titles in 5 years, pay out of your pocket to play in CFU in the hope you can make a little back from Champions League and then discover that you can’t get more than 2,000 people to watch you play MLS teams!
Now, if the prize money came relatively quickly, much of the problems would be resolved. The players have been fantastic. Although frustrated, they understand it’s not the club who are delaying bonus payments.
This madness sounds like the same madness that some of our local Coaches goes through and continues to go through when Coaching our nationals teams and saying that they love the game and their sweet country so the corrupted TTFA continues to always hire them for the job knowing that they doesn’t have to pay them until the coaches had enough and finally takes them to court for their well earned monies, but when the white foreign base Coaches accepts the job they always get their monies on time, so why does the owner Mr. Brent Sancho continues to go through this same madness year after year playing in the professional league and then complains about it eh, a matter of fact the professional teams shouldn’t be depending on any monies from winning the league they should also have their own monies in the kitty long time already from sponsors or other ways to get the monies to pay their players, I can just imagine how these players are feeling right now and this madness only happens in our sweet country. Them really good yes Steeuuppss
These players lack good representation for them
All that madness will surely be over soon when the Players Association is finally up and running in our sweet country to represent them moving forward.
http://www.socawarriors.net/tt-pro-league/19445-no-money-for-treble-bonus.html
Congratulations and a job well done to Central F.C. on the three-peat, hard work always pay off, we are seeing development within the Pro=League gradually. Hats off to W Connection also on their second place with most goals scored and least goals conceded, that is also real development.
Congrats to Central
And just imagine that the Mau Pau North East stars team had to play their game without their head Coach Ross Russell eh, because he is also assigned to the U20 national team, that madness only happens in our sweet country eh. Them really good yes.
thats the clubs fault
How so Shawn Babooram
these coaches want two and three jobs if i were the owner of a club and you come and tell me u going and coach a national team or school i will wish u lucky and thank you for your service and look for a next coach
I agree with you 1000% and who knows the owner Daryl will not be taking that at all, so won’t be surprise that he will have a new Coach for the next season. Them really good yes.
them really good yes
history lets see how many Central FC players are picked by the new coach
Congratulations Central. F.C…..job well done…..BOOM.
Very difficult to to Three-peat. Congrats, great accomplishment!
Story updated with quotes and information from W Connection v Ma Pau Stars by Roneil K Walcott
Congrats to Central FC, not only the victory but the third title! So many other clubs been around years and haven’t grasped as many League titles.
Ah wonder if Saintfiet go congratulate dem.
Hahaha
Congrats to Central FC. ???
Well done guys. It was not easy watching but satisfying in the fact that the cabinet will be filled.
Sancho cause a bacchanal lol. Congrats sharks
..Well done Central. That’s not easy to do
congrats to all at Central FC…