Montego Bay United look to change their fortunes from the start
Published:Sunday | October 23, 2022 | 12:13 AMLivingston Scott - Gleaner Writer
MONTEGO BAY United coach Donovan Duckie said his team will be starting from scratch when they open their Jamaica Premier League (JPL) account against fellow former winners Portmore United on today’s opening day at Drax Hall at 1 p.m.
Duckie inherited a team that finished at the bottom of the pile last season; however, he noted that a lot of work has gone into ensuring that the club has a more competitive team this season.
Although he does not expect an overnight miracle, he believes they will be better, despite what is expected to be a stern test from Portmore.
“This is a team that came last last season so we are starting from zero. For eight weeks we have worked and itemised certain drills and reinforced them.
“We also did a lot of mental work. We are not expecting any miracles, but we should do much better than we did last year.
“We have prepared ourselves in the best possible way to give a good showing and we are looking to see some good things,” he said.
Last season, the St James club struggled to score goals, but with return of striker Allan Ottey to the club, Duckie has an experienced frontman who can lead the attack.
“Allan is very important to us. With his experience it is good and he’s also a talisman.
“With his age, Ottey may not be as mobile and fast, but he is faster mentally and tactically because of experience. Hopefull, he can add some goals and share his experience with younger players. So we are looking forward to some good things from him. He is not yet at full fitness but it is a work in progress with him,” said Duckie.
The well-travelled coach noted that since entering the top flight as Montego Bay United (formerly Seba United) in 2011, the club has not won their opening game and they are aiming to set that record straight.
“We are not looking for any easy game against Portmore. We have a lot of respect for our opponents. Their philosophy remains the same, they are an organised team, very disciplined, always attract quality youngsters and exhibit true professionalism.
“These are the things you used to determine the quality that you face on the field.
FANS IMPORTANT
“It is a fact that MoBay has never won their opening game. So we should try to get it right tomorrow. It is also important that the fans that support this club come out and cheer for us as that could be an important factor,” he added.
Portmore’s coach Philip Williams said his team is buoyed by a solid preseason and they are looking for a positive start.
“We are pretty confident about the preparation we put in and the result that we are expecting is a positive one based on the effort from the boys in the preseason,” he said.
Portmore finished 10th in the league last term and apart from refreshing their stock with some new players, such as Rohan Beadle of Waterhouse and Tevin Scott from Harbour View, a lot of focus went into the areas where they had problems.
“Hopefully, we have addressed those in terms of the preparation we have done and the personnel we have brought in,” said Williams.
“Beadle will give us some speed in the midfield and Scott will give us a few goals upfront, in an area that we were lacking last season,” he said.
Although Williams has very little knowledge of his opponents, he pointed that with Duckie in charge, he anticipated a very tough match.
“We haven’t got any chance to look at them but we know the coach and his philosophy and the quality of his teams.
COMPETITIVE GAME
“So we are looking for a very competitive game both offensively and defensively because the coach will have his team well organised and well drilled.
“But we will be approaching this game with a winning mindset and hopefully we can execute,” he commented
In other matches, Mount Pleasant entertain Faulkland at the same venue at 3 p.m. At the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex, Humble Lion play Dunbeholden at 3 p.m. and Waterhouse take on Molynes at 5:30 p.m., while Vere oppose Tivoli Gardens at Wembley Centre of Excellence at 3 p.m.
On Monday, defending champions Harbour View play newcomers Chapelton Maroons and Arnett face Cavalier, both at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex