Present vs the future - Portmore, Cavalier in RSPL semi-final clash

After two weeks of Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) inactivity, leaders, favourites, and beaten finalists for the past two years, Portmore United, will take to the field to face Cavalier United in a first-leg semi-final that can best be billed as the present versus the future.

In the true league format, Portmore United won by a landslide, and along with defending champions Arnett Gardens, earned the right to watch as the lesser teams fight for a chance to meet them in the semi-finals. Not only does the Portmore United team have the deepest squad on paper, but as a team, they are best in all areas, statistically. Apart from the obvious record, the most points, they have scored the most goals, conceded the least, and have the best goal average. In terms of distribution of goals and offensive weapons to call on, they are the best.

Cavalier United, on the other hand, have the best young players assembled in the country and are managing to get the best out of them. They were the last of the six teams to secure a place in the playoffs.

EYES ON WINNING

"We know the task that we are up against, but once you are in the playoffs, the goal is only one thing, and that is to win the title. That is what we are all competing for," a positively defiant Cavalier FC coach Rudolph Speid said ahead of today's game.

Portmore United coach Shavar Thomas, a man in his first year coaching at this level, said that nothing would be taken for granted despite all that has been achieved before.

"We look at this game as a very important one for both teams, and our players are motivated and ready," Thomas declared.

While Portmore United were out of sight from the second round of the competition, largely through the form of Jovan East and Ricardo Morris, both players have endured a barren spell in the league. That, Thomas said, will not be a problem.

"It is true that they have not scored a lot since getting into the third round, but the good thing is that Ricardo scored back to back in the Happy Sutherland KO. Jovan scored also, and these players can make a game for you."

Other players who will be dangerous for Portmore United are the livewire Maalique Foster and captain Ewan Grandison. Cavalier have been ably led all season by captain Chevone Marsh, with good support from Alex Marshall and Nicholas Hamilton.

Today's game

- 6 p.m.: Cavalier vs Portmore United - Stadium East