Arnett Gardens eager to end six-year JPL title drought

AFTER ending the regular season of the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) as table toppers, Arnett Gardens, the team affectionately known as the ‘Junglists’, are in a wait-and-see mode as to who they will face when the semi-final action kicks off.

Arnett Gardens who finished atop the standings with 55 points, three clear of second-place Cavalier, have been in scintillating form and Eric Rademakers, the team’s assistant coach, believes their competitive spirit should keep every player on edge going into the knockout stages of the JPL.

“I think it’s very important for us that everybody understands what we want from them, and also try to have a competitive spirit within the team. At the same time, we have to be a team that is willing to cheer for each other even though a player might lose their spot. Those are the things that are crucial for us come the next two weeks when we don’t have a competitive match. We must keep that same spirit going in the camp,” he said.

Arnett Gardens were joint leaders alongside Mount Pleasant in most goals scored, with 48, but while Rademakers was happy with the goals scored, he said that keeping clean sheets is something that the team collectively is working on.

“I’m happy to know that we’re scoring goals, as there is some element of entertainment involved. But most players would have heard me say that I want clean sheets and three points. I think it’s important to have that entertainment factor in scoring goals. But when it comes to winning a championship, which is the phase that we’ve reached right now, it’s all about defence, as defence wins championships,” Rademakers opined.

One of Arnett Gardens’ driving forces at the offensive end is that of their captain and star player Fabian Reid. Reid is currently second in the Golden Boot race, having scored 15 goals, two behind Cavalier’s Collin Anderson. Assistant coach Rademakers believes that Reid is a key player in the success of the Arnett Gardens team.

“He’s an important player for our team as he brings experience, something that he’s had from playing locally and aboard and winning championships,” the Arnett Gardens assistant coach said.

The five-time champions last won the Premier League title back in the 2016-17 season, and Rademakers believes that there is pressure within the coaching staff to deliver the title this season and end the six-year title drought.

“Definitely, but I would call it healthy pressure. Arnett Gardens are not a club that should be waiting six years for a title and even worse, we are the favourites to win it. So, the pressure has built up and it’s something that we can’t hide away from,” Rademakers said.

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com