Nodley Wright | Jamaica Gleaner
Montego Bay United, formerly Seba United, may be playing under a new name, but they will be carrying a big responsibility this evening when they oppose defending champions Harbour View in their first leg of the semi-final of the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL).
Game time is 7 p.m. at the Harbour View Mini-Stadium.
Not only are the Montego Bay-based team the only team from western Jamaica that competed in the 12-team league this season, but they are also the last team from western Jamaica to win the national title. They did so in 1997, 10 years after winning their first.
Since that time, the league has been dominated by teams from the Kingston and St Andrew Football Association, but for the years 2002-2003 when it was won by Hazard, which later became Portmore United and won under that name in 2004-2005, 2007-2008 and 2011-2012.
“There is a lot of history involved and it is a big task, but this is what we worked hard and played for,” coach of Montego Bay United, Dr Dean Weatherly, said about their game against the home team.
His players, he added, understand the task ahead and are ready to do what is required to take a championship back to western Jamaica.
“It (a victory) is very important, not for me as a coach, but to bring back some glory to western Jamaica. A win would give the region hope that with hard work, dedication, and most importantly discipline, you can have success,” said Weatherly, who coached Violet Kickers to two national titles, the first in 1993-1994 and the second just before Seba United’s last title.
A look at the result between both teams this season could cause one to form the impression that Montego Bay United would have the advantage as they won twice and drew once in three meetings. They won the opening encounter at the Harbour View Mini-Stadium 1-0 before thumping Harbour View 3-0 in Montego in February then drew 1-1 at Harbour View last month.
A mark of champions is character, something that Harbour View have shown at different points this season, and to be dethroned on their home ground is something that would not sit well with them.
Coach Andrew ‘Bower’ Hines, who stepped up from assistant when Harold Thomas resigned recently, was a tough competitor and has been no different from the dugout.
“Well, we are in the play-offs for the league title and every team involved has a chance of winning. After finishing second in the preliminary stage, the goal is, to retain the title. We are the champions and have something to prove,” Hines disclosed.
He added: “We hope to perform at our best and come away with a victory tomorrow (today) to take an advantage going into the second leg against Montego Bay away on Sunday.”
First match
They will be inspired by the return of midfield maestro Jermaine Hue, who Hines says is highly likely to play in what will be his first match of the season following his FIFA-imposed drug ban.
“He (Jermaine Hue) is part of the squad for the game, and the potential for him to play is great,” said Hines.
What should also be in Harbour View’s favour is the presence of Brian Brown, the competition’s leading goal scorer with 18 goals; John-Ross Edwards, Joel Senior, Keith Kelly, Kemar Lawrence, Dicoy Williams, and Montrose Phinn. Those players would make any team competitive, and with the addition of the experienced Clifton Waugh and Christopher Harvey, even on the bench, they should be much tougher.
Montego Bay United are also a team blessed with talent and they will be looking to Dino Williams, Lesly St Fleur, Fabian McCarthy, Allan Ottey, Orlando McBayne, Jermaine Woozencroft, Omar Gordon, the veteran Leon Irving, and goalkeeper Jacomena Barrett.
While they are strong on talent, they have not been the most consistent, and the fact they have limited experience at this stage of the competition or have never won a title together could count against them.
Today’s Game
7 p.m. Harbour View vs Montego Bay United at Harbour View Stadium
Tomorrow’s game
7 p.m. Waterhouse vs Arnett Gardens at Drewsland Stadium