La Clery has emerged as the champions of Tier I in the inaugural Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League (SPFL), while Vieux Fort South has claimed the Tier 2 title.
An thrilling match at the Dennery Playing Field on Saturday witnessed La Clery win convincingly over city rivals Central Castries 3-1, securing their championship title for the season.
Central Castries demonstrated a remarkable performance in the playoff, defeating Gros Islet to secure a place in the finals. Conversely, La Clery encountered a more arduous journey to the finals having to play in two qualifiers to reach the finals, defeating Dennery 4-0 in Qualifier 1 and avenging their previous loss to Gros Islet with a 2-1 win in Qualifier 2.
Following an initial defeat to Gros Islet earlier in the season, La Clery’s victory in the critical qualifier prepared the way for the title match. On Saturday, La Clery launched vigorous early assaults; nevertheless, it was Central Castries that scored first.
Jamal Wilfred netted a goal in the 11th minute following a defensive error. Shaquille “Buju” Degazon equalized for La Clery with a remarkable rebound in the 34th minute. Central Castries were at a disadvantage following Wilfred’s expulsion in the 32nd minute.
A significant error by goalie Ray Demille let Mervin St Romain to score La Clery’s second goal in the 80th minute. Andrus Remy clinched the match with a decisive strike in the final stages, affirming La Clery’s triumph.
Vieux Fort South defeated South Castries 5-1 to secure the SPFL’s Tier 2 championship title, highlighted by exceptional performances from Obafemi Poyotte and Moses Henry, who each netted two goals. Poyotte scored in the 13th and 30th minutes, and Henry in the 15th and 38th minutes, facilitating a rapid offensive movement, before Kevon Joseph scored for South Castries in the 63rd minute.
Hosea Mathurin scored a conversion in the 80th minute to finalize the score.
Soccer enjoys significant popularity in the country, with fans fervently backing their teams, generating an exhilarating ambience in local games. In acknowledgement of the necessity to enhance the quality of football, the main stakeholders founded the SPFL.
The outcomes of this initial season have been praiseworthy.
In a post-match interview with VOICE SPORTS, Sports Minister Kenson Casimir conveyed his contentment with the tournament’s organization and attendance. He reiterated the government’s dedication to rewarding committed athletes and highlighted the robust community support and the superior quality of play across teams.
Casimir observed that the government had previously expressed its intention to compensate individuals “who train diligently… (and) who remain focused on contributing positively to their communities.”
Notwithstanding initial difficulties, the minister asserted that the competition exhibits significant potential for expansion. The government is dedicated to improving sporting facilities throughout the island, with a minimum of 11 sites, including the Gros Islet Mini Stadium and Mindoo Phillip Park, scheduled for upgrades in the coming year.
Zaine Pierre, head coach of La Clery and former professional player and captain of Saint Lucia’s Senior Men’s Team, articulated his delight in achieving the championship. He commended the technical team and players for their resolve.
“These guys started slowly…but they were able to keep their heads up and finish this championship with a bow,” Pierre said.
The coach observed that the combination of youthful and seasoned players had fostered development on the field, asserting that the caliber of play in the SPFL would persistently enhance.
Pierre remarked that the young players have integrated effectively with the more experienced players, which has facilitated their mastery of the craft. We now observe young and seasoned players participating in the SPFL, and the situation is poised to improve further.