No love lost

IN A clash which local football fans had been anticipating since the start of the season, Craig Butler said there is “no love” for Cavalier FC within his Vere Phoenix camp, as the two teams are set to lock horns at Sabina Park today in the Wray and Nephew-sponsored Jamaica Premier League (JPL).

Cavalier, the reigning champions, will play hosts to a Vere Phoenix unit aiming to topple the usual suspects at the top of the JPL hierarchy.

Butler, technical director of Vere Phoenix, promises an intense matchup, as he highlighted the personal clash at play between himself and Cavalier boss Rudolph Speid.

Butler explained this match is more than just a league fixture, but a rivalry years in the making.

“Look out for a very spirited performance from our team because, as I said, there is no love between Vere Phoenix and Cavalier. We are ready to go out there and fight with every inch of our strength,” he explained.

“We view this game as important because of the personal issues that we have with Rudolph Speid and Cavalier. Over the years, it has been a very strong rivalry and we would want to come away from this game with a win, and we’re putting everything together to ensure that we try and get this victory.”

Butler said while he is confident his players have the ability to come away with three points, the team is yet to field their full complement of players this season.

Vere Phoenix sit ninth in the league on eight points, trailing Cavalier who sit fifth in the standings on 12.

Butler explained the immediate focus for Vere is to see out the fixtures of the first round before making a determined charge up the table when they are able to field a full-strength outfit.

“The reality of it is that we are preparing and coasting to ensure that we get through the first round of the Premier League because, at that point, we should have our full complement of players. A large number of our players are in the Manning Cup and a large number of players are unable to be registered,” Butler explained.

The match is slated to kick off at 5:30 p.m. and will be the second fixture of a doubleheader at Sabina Park.

Racing United will take on Chapelton Maroons at 3 p.m. in a clash of this season’s promoted teams. It will be their first meeting since the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Tier II Championship final earlier in June, where Chapelton had clipped Racing 2-1 in extra time.

Also in action, league leaders Portmore United will travel to Clarendon to take on Humble Lion FC while Mount Pleasant FA play hosts to Harbour View FC.

Catherine Hall will also come alive when second-placed Montego Bay United look to push for a spot atop the standings with their fixture against Dunbeholden FC.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com

TODAY’S GAMES

Racing United vs Chapelton Maroons at Sabina Park (3 p.m.)

Cavalier FC vs Vere Phoenix United at Sabina Park (5:30 p.m.)

Humble Lion vs Portmore United at Effortville Community Center (3 p.m.)

Mount Pleasant FA vs Harbour View at Drax Hall (3 p.m.)

Montego Bay United vs Dunbeholden at Catherine Hall Stadium (5:30 p.m.)