Seba, Rivoli lead Confed play-off charge
THE island’s four Confederation Super League champions — Cavalier FC, Seba United, Rivoli United and Highgate — will begin their quest for a place in next season’s Digicel Premier League (DPL) in a play-off series which kicks off this afternoon at 3 o’clock.
In the feature match of the round, two former top-flight teams in Cavalier and Seba United will meet at the Tony Spaulding Complex, while Rivoli — who are also seeking a return to the DPL — will play away against St Mary’s Highgate, who are looking to advance for the first time, at Gray’s Inn.
However, all eyes will be focused on the two former DPL campaigners with Cavalier looking to return to the island’s top league for the first time in almost 20 years. Seba are looking to reinstate themselves after a two-year absence.
Seba ran rings around the competition in the Western Super League, wrapping up the title with three games to go and losing their only game on the final day of the season.
The Seba executive recalled Peruvian coach Daniel Barrigo earlier this season, and he has done wonders with the side. But now, as they aim to go one better and return to the big times, they are hoping for a good start to the home-and-away tournament.
The Montego Bay team will look to veteran Iton Scott, the team’s topscorer Kemar James, Jovian Daley, Jermie Bucknor, Garth Johnson and goalkeeper Tristan Bernard.
Cavalier missed qualifying for the DPL by just one point during last season’s play-off campaign but have strengthened their squad and expect to go all the way this time around.
Player/coach David Laylor, who turned out for the club the last time they were in the National League (as it was known back then), will be leading the team from the back.
He will look to Locksley Thompson, Oneil Morrison, Donovan Alvaranga, Donovan Bernard, Jermaine Gray, Fabian Nethersole and Michael Stone to lead them to victory.
In the day’s other game Rivoli — who are keen on making an early return to the DPL after a season’s absence — play away to minnows Highgate.
Rivoli have appointed experienced Premier League coach Calvert Fitzgerald, who they believe can guide them back into the top flight.
Despite playing away from home, the Spanish Town-based Rivoli have a number of experienced players like Derrick and Barrington Planter, Luke Soares and Fidel Anderson, along with this season’s standouts Marlon Henry, David Alvaranga and Anthony Greenland, who they expect to hand them three points.
Not much is known of Highgate, who will no doubt be seeking to upset their more recognised opponents and capture one of the two available spots in the DPL.
However, Highgate boast an experienced coach at this level, with former Arnett Gardens’ assistant and Police National coach Calvin Lewis at the helm of the St Mary outfit.
They will also fancy their chances after upstaging Eastern Super League opponents Manchester United of St Anns and the fancied Star Cosmos en route to the play-offfs.