CHAIRMAN of the Premier League Clubs Association (PLCA), Edward Seaga, in congratulating Red Stripe Premier League champions Portmore United, said victory in a fiercely competitive season was due in part to “diligent preparation”.

“The belief that you can… has once again proven that success is achieved through hard work and determination as was proven throughout and on particular the final day of the competition.

“The title was decided in what could be considered… a “pressure cooker” situation as Portmore United was pressed, but did not cave in. They displayed the characteristics of true champions,” Seaga said in a release yesterday.

Portmore (67 points) copped the championship on the final day of the league after gaining the elusive point against Waterhouse in a 1-1 draw before nervous home fans at Ferdie Neita Park.

Boys’ Town, who finished a point behind, had slim hopes of snatching the title but needed a big win against Humble Lion while hoping for Waterhouse win against Portmore.

In the end, Boys’ Town’s valiant 3-0 win was not enough.

Waterhouse ended with 60 points, while Lion finished fourth on 57.

Seaga, who also chairs the PLCA affiliate the Professional Football Association of Jamaica (PFAJ), said runners-up Boys’ Town also deserve praise for their late rally which injected intrigue and excitement to the tournament.

“And if there was any chance of there being crowned two victors for the day and for the competition on a whole, Boys’ Town FC deserves all the praises… for the professional manner in which they took the competition to Portmore United — down to the wire,” the statement added.

The final flourish for the title, Seaga noted, justified the league format of the competition, which is often vilified, with critics preferring the knock-out system.

“This has shown that there is merit in the current league system and that there is no need to tamper with it. It was a delight for all,” the quote said.

Seaga also congratulated all stakeholders that worked toward the success of the league, including administrators, PLCA staff, coaches, referees, other match officials, coaches and players.

He expressed special gratitude to title sponsor Red Stripe who came to the rescue in the midst of a desperate search to find a replacement for long-serving sponsor Digicel.

“Last, but not least, I wish to congratulate all the league sponsors and Red Stripe for injecting a new spirit into the competition. Your exciting innovation of Monday Night Football really brought freshness and a renewed excitement to the League and with it some well-needed new fans. Thank you,” the release said.