The race for the Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League championship is only one weekend old, but several clubs have already made it clear they are not here simply to compete, they are here to win.
An opening round packed with goals, dominant performances and individual brilliance has produced the first statement victories of Season 3, with Soufriere and Vieux Fort South setting the early pace after convincing wins that immediately place them among the teams to watch.
Canaries and Dennery also opened their campaigns on winning terms, ensuring the battle for the top of the table is already beginning to take shape in what promises to be another fiercely contested season.
Leading the headlines from Round One was Soufriere’s William “ Vardi” Cenac, whose outstanding hat-trick not only inspired his side to victory but also launched him to the top of the Golden Boot standings. While the championship race has only just begun, the competition for individual honours is already gathering momentum.
The league will now pause briefly as Saint Lucia celebrates Lucian Carnival before returning later this month with a Round Two schedule that already carries significant importance.
Action resumes on Friday, July 24, at the Phillip Marcellin Grounds, where Choiseul and Desruisseaux will open the weekend. Saturday’s fixtures will see Canaries face Central Castries, Gros Islet meet Soufriere, Vieux Fort North battle Mabouya Valley, and Anse La Raye take on Dennery.
The spotlight, however, will fall squarely on the meeting between Vieux Fort South and defending champions La Clery—a contest that could provide the first real measuring stick of the new season and reveal whether the early leaders are genuine championship contenders.
The Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League {SPFL} and its newly installed CEO Alvin Malakhan is already saying thanks to players, coaches, officials, volunteers, sponsors, partners and supporters whose commitment, they say, has once again created an excitement that was showcased on opening weekend.
Last weekend, one of the exciting matchups saw powerhouse Gros Islet, loaded with National Under 20 players, come up against a resilient Dennery team destined to leave its mark on this year’s tournament. At the final whistle Dennery claimed all three points through a goal from Garvin Reggie.