THE first objective is to reach that magical 40-point mark to virtually secure safety in the league. And the next major objective is to push for the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) crown.

That is the view of Cavalier SC chairman Rudolph Speid ahead of the start of the new season.

“We are definitely going for a top-four finish this year, but we have to take things one step at a time. The first objective is to reach 40 points. That will keep us safe, and then the second objective is to get into the semi-final, and then the third is to win it,” Speid told the Jamaica Observer.

At stages last season, Cavalier were battling for a semi-final spot, but they faltered in the last few games, finishing eighth by the end of the preliminary phase of the competition.

Like other teams, Cavalier have been active in the transfer market, bringing in players to bolster crucial positions.

According to Speid, Cavalier’s problem last season was the relatively high amount of goals they gave up. He said the defensive and goalkeeping positions were paid plenty of focus.

“We think we made some good acquisitions and we have fixed the spine of the team. It’s a young team, the youngest in the league and we are going to battle.

“We had an issue with the number of goals we conceded last season, but that has been addressed,” he insisted.

There is also a change in the head coach position as Speid, no longer the president of the Kingston & St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA), will be officially leading proceedings from the touchline this season.

His assistants will be Lamar Morgan and last season’s head coach David Laylor.

Cavalier will open their account against hosts Rivoli United FC when the new RSPL campaign gets rolling today. The match will be played at Bramwell Clarke Complex in Ewarton, beginning at 4:00 pm.