BY half-time of the recent game between Arnett Gardens and Humble Lion in front of a huge crowd including Omar Davies and Mike Henry, the spotlight was on Xigui Deng, deputy manager of the Jamaica North South Highway Company Limited, as he was on hand to publicly announce the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Starballers for December 2014 and January 2015.

This added an extra dimension to the Red Stripe National Premier League football game where Humble Lion were victorious.

The first player awarded for the night was Rafiek ‘Fari’ Thomas of Boys’ Town Football Club, who received his December 2014 CHEC Starballer plaque and a $30,000 cash prize donated by China Harbour Engineering Company Limited.

This 30-year-old was nominated for his outstanding performances in four of the five games he played in the month of December. He was credited for being particularly instrumental in his team’s attack as he facilitated goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates. On the front line he was certainly a force to be reckoned with as he scored seven goals for Boys’ Town in round one of the Premier League competition.

Similarly, Ladale ‘Bully’ Richie of Montego Bay United Football Club was awarded the CHEC Starballer prize for January 2015. This 25-year-old is known for his seamless transitions while serving in his role as a key defender.

Richie’s stellar performance contributed to his team’s current position in the top five of the National Premier League. Both Thomas and Richie received a combined total of $60,000 in cash prizes courtesy of China Harbour.

“This is such a great feeling! It is good to know that at the end of the day we can achieve a little something extra and different than just our salary,” remarked an excited Richie.

Thomas noted that he had two children attending Tivoli Gardens High school and that the money would come in very handy as he hopes to get all the necessary funding together to send his son and daughter back to school. Richie, however, stated that it was his team that helped him to achieve the award and some of the funds would go towards purchasing Gatorade and snacks for his teammates.

China Harbour Engineering Company’s Starballer awards are individual incentives presented to one player each month throughout the National Premier League football competition. Chosen players should have a positive impact on their respective teams, a good disciplinary record, and have contributed to the number of goals scored and shut out for their teams.