La Clery added yet another title to their impressive collection by triumphing in a fiercely contested Blackheart Football final against Anse La Raye last Sunday.
Football fans filled the Soufriere Mini Stadium to witness the thrilling match, showcasing the intensity and skill of both teams.
La Clery, a sub-urban city team, enjoyed an outstanding season, having already secured the inaugural Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League (SPFL) Tier 1 title last month, alongside the SLFA Island Cup in January.
Both teams approached the final with high spirits, having earned their places in the matchup: La Clery overcame the defending Blackheart Knockout Football (BKF) champions Soufriere, while Anse La Raye defeated six-time champions Vieux Fort South in the semifinals.
On Sunday, the match was a tactical battle, with La Clery controlling the early stages, but Anse La Raye responded with relentless counterattacks. The first half ended in a stalemate, but the intensity escalated in the second half.
Despite having several scoring opportunities that went awry, La Clery broke the deadlock following a late foul by Anse La Raye goalkeeper Samuel Cadette in the penalty area.
National striker Yanic Noel confidently converted the penalty, giving La Clery a decisive 1-0 lead.
The second half was marked by rough play, resulting in a player from each team being sent off. However, La Clery maintained their composure to secure a hard-fought victory.
In the post-match awards ceremony, La Clery proudly accepted the trophy, bragging rights, and a $25,000 check, along with an additional $5,000 to support social programmes for at-risk youth in their community.
In a congratulatory statement, a BKF official asserted, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships. Congratulations to Team La Clery, the 2024 Blackheart Football Champions!”
The statement further commended them: “Throughout the season, you demonstrated exceptional quality, determination, and discipline-hallmarks of true champions. On behalf of everyone at Blackheart Productions, we salute and congratulate all players, management, fans, and team officials.”