Spirits were high as Waterhouse coach Anthony Patrick and August Town goalkeeper Devon Haughton were hailed as China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Star coach for the round and Starballer for the month of February, during half-time at last Monday’s game between Harbour View and Tivoli Gardens at the Harbour View Mini- Stadium.

Every month an exemplary player is chosen to be the CHEC Starballer based on the following criterion: the number of games played in the season, positive impact on an individual’s team, disciplinary record, goals scored, and goal shut outs (goalkeepers). Each CHEC Starballer is presented with a commemorative plaque and a cash prize of $30,000.

Thirty-year-old Haughton said that he was really surprised about the award as this was his first official season with the August Town team, but he was happy that his hard work was finally paying off.

When asked how he had planned to spend his winnings, Haughton said, “It’s not just about me, it’s about all of us, my teammates and myself, so we will share it as one family.”

To other young aspiring footballers, Haughton advised, “you never know what can happen, you just need to train hard, listen to your coach and do your best. Hard work will always pay off.”

Having officially assumed the position as Waterhouse coach in January, with six games won and three drawn, it was only natural that Anthony Patrick be honoured as a CHEC Star coach.

Just this week Waterhouse had qualified to be one of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) representatives at the 2014/2015 CONCACAF Champions League, another testament to the effectiveness of coach Patrick.

He received a handsome cash prize of $75,000 and a commemorative plaque, for having been CHEC’s Star coach. Coaches are chosen for each round.

“This is a very good offer for coaches, who are there day in and day out,” remarked Patrick. “It is nice to know that at the end of a round it is possible you may be recognised and presented with a monetary incentive,” continued Patrick.

Having grown up around Carl Brown, former head coach of the Jamaica national football team, Patrick always had a distinct drive and passion for the sport which further fuels his enthusiasm in coaching.

CHEC is a major sponsor of the Premier League Clubs Association, having invested nearly $50 million since 2012. The company remains committed to supporting the country’s sporting industry, which continues to provide a healthy and lively means of entertainment for Jamaicans from all walks of life.

“This is one of the most enjoyable moments of my job,” remarked CHEC’s Regional Communications Manager Jennifer Armond.

“I always look forward to meeting the CHEC coaches and starballers. On the field I see the sort of commitment and dedication that goes into the sport, they take it very seriously and I am happy that China Harbour is able to recognise and honour these persons.”

75K FOR CHEC’S STAR COACH: Marc Wright (right), quantity surveyor at China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Americas – Division, presents Waterhouse coach Anthony Patrick with a cash prize of $75,000 and a commemorative plaque for having been chosen as one of CHEC’s Star coaches for the 2014 season.

CHEC’S STARBALLER: Marc Wright (left), quantity surveyor at China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Americas – Division, presents August Town goalkeeper Devon Haughton with a commemorative plaque and a cash prize of $30,000 for having been chosen as the CHEC Starballer for February 2014.