THE clubs that participate in the Championship League, which was once called the Super League, have arrived at the stage where the sheep have been separated from the goats. The defending champions, Boys’ Town FC, have unfortunately found themselves among a large herd of goats this time around.

The Jamaica Defence Force, which were among the sheep at this juncture last season when they succumbed to the odd goal in the finals with Boys’ Town, have returned to the semi-final stage of the current season.

Will the soldiers come out on top this time around?

August Town FC, along with Olympic Gardens FC and Constant Spring FC, are focused on pocketing the million-dollar first prize and are determined to prevent last season’s losing finalist from getting too close to the money and the trophy.

Many contend that the soldiers are a professional unit who are paid every week with taxpayers’ money. They train every day, are fed three times a day, and sleep every night under the same roof.

All of the other clubs can only dream of operating under such ideal conditions.

Having said all of the above, the footballers from the garrison community of Rema took home the funds and trophy last season. The other semi-finalists are all focused on depriving the players from Up Park Camp once again.

All three have participated in the all-island Premier League and are eager to return. The soldiers, on the other hand, believe what was achieved already can be repeated — and they plan on being one of the final two standing

The Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) can definitely take several pats on their proverbial back while J Wray and Nephew, a household name throughout the island and the bona fide sponsors of football at various levels, have to be satisfied with the visibility return on their sponsorship dollars.

The new president, Mark Bennett, who took over from banker Wayne Shaw, should take a well-deserved bow. His efficient, pragmatic running of the last two seasons is reminiscent of the Billy Marston, Russell Bell, Alfred Simms, Neville Glanville, and Dennis Smith era.

Those were the days when KSAFA football guaranteed a sold-out National Stadium. Corporate Area football has not yet reclaimed its former stature, but it is moving along the correct trajectory.

Moreover, it is evident that Mr Bennett and his hard-working, laser-focused KSAFA council have their hands firmly on the wheel, steering the football vehicle in the right direction .

Over the last two decades several KSAFA clubs have upgraded their playing facilities. Constant Spring FC, Barbican FC, Arnett Gardens FC, Tivoli Gardens FC, Olympic Gardens FC, and Harbour View FC have done what all Corporate Area clubs need to do with the utmost prioritisation and urgency .

Proper infrastructure is an imperative ingredient if the standard and quality of the Corporate Area game is to improve to international levels of acceptability.

Football in the 21st century has become a serious business venture that has the potential to generate significant and well-needed financial returns.

President Bennett and the council, in their proactive wisdom, have decided to host the semi-final and final segments at the Constant Spring football field. Some clubs may be disgruntled with this choice of venue, claiming it gives one of the participants home-field advantage.

Based on what my sources have told me, the ability to realise a profit was the main criteria used to decide on the venue that was selected.

Of all the facilities, Constant Spring football field was the one that guaranteed the most lucrative return on the KSAFA dollar.

Many have asked if Constant Spring FC could or would have a home court advantage over the other semi-finalists.

Maybe, but the last time I checked, the field of play was a rectangle of 110 yards in length and 75 yards in width, covered with grass, and most importantly, the ball was still round.

So let us all hold our collective breath as we eagerly wait to see which sheep will lead the flock home on May 17.