MBU sign Bahamian star, bolster attack

Paul Reid

Sunday, February 05, 2012

TUCKER, St James — Second-round champions Montego Bay United (MBU) have strengthened their already strong line-up as they make a push for the Red Stripe Premier League title in their first season with the signing of Bahamian national player Lesley St Fleur.

The Haitian-born player who is expected in the island this weekend is one of five new players that will join the Montego Bay outfit ahead of their game next Wednesday against Boys' Town at the Montego Bay Sports Complex.

St Fleur, who previously represented Sporting Central Academy, will rejoin MBU coach Neider Dos Santos, who guided him on the Bahamian Olympic and senior national teams.

Orville Powell, president of MBU, yesterday confirmed with the Sunday Observer the signing of St Fleur, as well as former national midfielder Davion Thorpe of Reno, who are among the club's five new signings.

Powell said the signing of these players "will give us a lot more options, especially on the offensive end of the field".

Powell said one of the team's biggest problems was "we are not finishing the chances we create and hopefully, we will do much better in the third round".

St Fleur and Thorpe will join the likes of Mauracio Gordon, who has scored eight goals; Allan Ottey and Leon Irving, who have scored five each, as well as Kemiro James and Omar Gordon.

MBU, who are unbeaten in 13 straight games, including the End-of-Round final, are the most prolific outfit in the league with 32 goals, two more than fifth-placeD Humble Lion, but have also conceded 23, the most in the top seven.

Powell also confirmed they had released a number of players to other teams to keep a reasonable-sized squad.

Meanwhile, the other two western-based Premier League clubs, Village United and Reno, have also signed new players in their bid to stave off relegation.

Village United, who are rooted at the bottom of the standing, have recalled former National Under-21 player Roy Forbes from August Town, as well as utility player Jeff Pearce, who was representing Harmony in the Western Confederation Super League.

Dean Ennis, Village's manager, said the club was also awaiting clearance for two overseas-based players.

Reno have opted for young players and have added National Under-17 midfielder Melvin Blair, who is among four new signings.

Reno have slumped to 10th in the standing ahead of Highgate United on goal difference with both on 21 points.