Western Confed Super League kicks off today
MONTEGO BAY, St James — Promoted Fogo United of St James and Jericho Rangers of Hanover will take on St James teams Tomorrow’s People and Wadadah FC at Jarrett Park this afternoon, as the 2011-12 Jamaica Football Federation’s Captain’s Bakery and Grill Western Confederation Super League gets underway with a double-header, set to start at 4:00 pm.
The usual 12 teams from the four western parishes are taking part in the competition, which for the first time in several years, will be played in zones for the first three rounds before a semi-finals and final, moving away from the league format that has been used previously.
The teams have been separated into two zones and the teams in each will play against each other twice before the top teams in either zone will meet in an end-of-round final.
The third round will be played on a cross-zone format and the top-four teams on points would advance to the semi-finals.
Copeland Bailey, chairman of the Competitions Committee, told the Observer that the format change was attributed to two factors — a reduction in the overall sponsorship as well as teams complaining about the length of the season and the costs associated with travel involved.
In the straight league format, Bailey said there would be 132 games overall, but under the new system, there would be just about 96 games, plus the semis and final.
With the failure to get additional sponsorship, Bailey said it would be difficult for the Confed to shoulder the additional costs.
There are no reduction in the prize monies, however, the winner will take home $150,000 with the runner-up getting $75,000; third place $50,000 and fourth place $30,000.
Wadadah, last season’s runners up, will lead Zone One which will include Frome FC, Granville FC, Catherine Hall FC along with promoted teams Invaders Sports Club and Jericho Rangers.
Mt Pelier FC head Zone Two that will see Harmony FC, Tomorrow’s People, Bamboo along with Fogo United and Savannah FC, the promoted teams.
After today’s opening games, another four games will be played on Thursday.
