SSFL 25: Benedict’s, Fatima resume rivalry—Girls Premiership put off; but P-ville, SJC return to limelight

The 2025 Secondary Schools Football League kicks off with a replay of last year’s Intercol finals as top girls’ teams St Joseph’s Convent (Port of Spain) and Pleasantville Secondary pick up where they left off from 3.30pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, while St Benedict’s College and Fatima College resume pleasantries from 5.30pm.

The occasion is the SSFL Super Cup, which pits the league and knockout champions against each other in the boys and girls divisions. Admission is $50 for adults and $30 for students.

In both cases, though, the matchups mirror the 2025 Intercol finals where St Benedict’s shot down Fatima 2-0 while St Joseph’s Convent edged Pleasantville 5-3 on penalties.

Derrel ‘Zoom Zoom’ Garcia scored twice in last season’s Intercol final. Garcia’s presence certainly captivated the schools’ game—for better and for worse.

The 18-year-old, presumably about to enter form five, was the SSFL’s top scorer and most valuable player. He was also an illegitimate student for his first two appearances of the season and improperly registered for his third game as well.

The latter issue ultimately cost St Benedict’s the league title, although the southern mavericks could not be stopped in the Intercol.

Garcia moved to Guyana last month, on loan from San Juan Jabloteh, to play professionally and is unexpected to feature tomorrow. It is uncertain what his current academic goals are and whether the SSFL is part of that.

But the Super Cup offers an early opportunity for the La Romaine Lions to show that they have far more weapons than Zoom Zoom.

Seventeen-year-old holding midfielder Adam ‘Toka’ Pierre is arguably the finest player in his age group while playmaker Josiah Ochoa and utility player Lyshaun Morris are also bright talents.

Expect big things from young attacker Elijah David too, who caught the eye last season at just 14 years of age.

Fatima are under new management, with Kerdyn Moe replacing veteran Hutson ‘Baba’ Charles.

Star forward Michael Chaves has moved on while free-scoring midfielder Caden Trestrail, and versatile attacker Luke Correia are not expected to feature.

But former Queen’s Royal College forward Phillip Nelson is a brilliant acquisition while tricky flanker Jaheam Bailey is likely to go from supporting cast to leading man and the bustling Seth Hadeed is sure to be key in midfield.

And, for those familiar with Moe’s style, expect a high tempo, proactive style that will not be easily nullified.

In the female game, the SSFL has again delayed the start of a Girls Premier Division—with schools wanting more time and consultation before making the jump.

But, if the 2025 Girls Intercol final was any guide, St Joseph’s Convent and Pleasantville will press home the case for why they deserve greater attention.

Pleasantville hotshot Nikita Gosine is a rare talent and will again try to control the narrative.

But St Joseph’s Convent, anchored by defender Mikaela Yearwood and led by versatile utility player Kaitlyn Darwent, would believe their collective strength could triumph again.

The SSFL Boys Premier Division kicks off in earnest on Saturday, with St Benedict’s and Fatima both afforded a breather after the Super Cup.

School football’s oldest derby, St Mary’s College versus Queen’s Royal College, is arguably the pick of the weekend contests, with both teams packed with bright, young talent.

Serial winner Angus Eve is back at Naparima College, who host Trinity College East at Lewis Street.

Scarborough Secondary make history at Shaw Park, as they welcome Arima North Secondary for their top flight debut. And, at Moka, the SSFL’s two other promoted schools, Trinity College (Moka) and Carapichaima East Secondary will lock horns.

Schools football is back.

SSFL Super Cup

(Fri 12 September)

St Joseph’s Convent (PoS) vs Pleasantville Secondary, 3.30pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium;

Fatima College v St Benedict’s College, 5.30pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium;

Premier Division

Round One

(Sat 13 September)

St Mary’s College v QRC, 3.30pm, Serpentine Road;

Scarborough Sec v Arima North, 3.30pm, Scarborough ground;

Naparima College v Trinity East, 3.30pm, Lewis Street;

San Juan North v Signal Hill Sec, 3.30pm, Bourg Mulatresse;

St Augustine Sec v Malick Secondary, 3.30pm, Warren Street;

Trinity College v Carapichaima East, 3.30pm, Moka.

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