Thu | Mar 28, 2024

'Familiar faces, fresh teams' - RSPL returns with interesting match-ups

Published:Sunday | September 1, 2019 | 12:00 AMNodley Wright - Sunday Gleaner Writer

When the 2019-2020 Red Stripe Premier League kicks off this afternoon with four matches, one of the features will be the familiar faces in new clothes and new posts. This situation will be highlighted by coaches Andrew Price and Alex Thomas, who will come face-to-face.

Price, once a fixture with the now relegated Boys’ Town Football club, traded the dominant red for the green, red, and gold of Humble Lion. Thomas, the third of three brothers to represent the country at football and a former player at Arnett Gardens, recently took over from Jerome Waite at the storied club. Both will lead their new charges in battle in the headline match at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.

To many, Thomas, the younger of the two, will be under greater pressure as not only is he a first-time head coach, but he is taking over from Waite and will have a very demanding fan base to answer to. The man who previously assisted Calvin Lewis at the club sees it differently.

“The vibes are good. The players have responded well to me and my coaching staff of Irvino English, Denton Shedden, and goalkeeper coach Lamar Brown,” said Thomas, who represented Jamaica at the 1999 and 2001 Under-17 and Under-20 World Cups, respectively.

“It is a different ball game and the experience is good so far. I have always dreamt of coaching at this level, and one of the things that makes it easier for me is that as a past player and a member of the community, I understand the mind-set and culture of the people,” Thomas added.

For Price, Humble Lion was a challenge he felt was worth taking.

“It is a great opportunity. I always like challenges, and I took this one because it is one that I think was worth it, and I am very optimistic about this season for Humble Lion,” said Price, also a national youth defender, who played for Boys’ Town before making the transition to coach.

Price steps in at Humble Lion following the struggles of Glendon “Admiral” Bailey and his deputy, Lijyasu Simms, as well as O’Neil Thompson, who attempted to steady the ship when Bailey and Simms departed. New Premier League Clubs Association (PLCA) chairman and the power behind Humble Lion Mike Henry recently expressed confidence about getting a positive result at Arnett Gardens, and Price echoed his sentiments.

“We believe that we have the players that will make us go down there and be competitive. We are looking to start the season on a positive note, and once the players that we have go out there and play the way they can, we should get that positive result,” said Price.

At his disposal, Price will have the seasoned Hughan Gray, Andrew Vanzie, and Levaughn Williams; the youthful Jeadean White, Leonardo Jibbison, and Ricardo Dennis, as well as newcomer Andre Clennon, who has returned from an overseas stint.

Thomas’ group at Arnett Gardens will include new faces Deno Schaafe, Patrick Brown, and Ramoun Reid, all formerly of UWI FC, but he will be without the familiar faces of Jabeur Johnson, Ranike Anderson, former captain Marvin Morgan, Fabian Reid, and Jamiel Hardware. The influential Vishinul Harris, Damion Hyatt, Ricardo Oldham, Lamar Nelson, and Paul Wilson should be available.

At Stadium East, Cavalier and Dunbeholden, who have both had their changes, will renew their battles from last season while Donovan Duckie and Mount Pleasant will entertain Harbour View and their new coaching staff at Drax Hall.

The uncertain Tivoli Gardens will travel to the Mona Bowl to face UWI FC. It will be interesting to see how the visitors fare without the impressive pair of Colorado Murray and Tevin Shaw, who have both moved on to greener pastures.

Today’s Games

- 7 p.m. Arnett Gardens FC vs Humble Lion FC at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex

- 5 p.m. Cavalier F.C vs. Dunbeholden FC at Stadium East

- 4 p.m. Mount Pleasant FA vs Harbour View FC at Drax Hall Sports Complex

- 3:30 p.m. UWI FC vs Tivoli Gardens FC at UWI Mona Bowl

Tomorrow’s game

- 8:30 p.m. Portmore United FC vs Molynes United FC at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex