Seaga demands contracts for RSPL players
Edward Seaga, chairman of the Premier League Club Association (PLCA), said only registered club players will be allowed to participate in this year’s Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) competition.
Speaking at yesterday’s RSPL press launch, which was held at the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Seaga said his organisation will be ensuring that this rule will be enforced across all platforms.
“This is not really a new rule, but it is one that will definitely be enforced and that is no player can play football in Jamaica unless you have a signed contract with a club,” said Seaga. “Those who so far have been playing without a signed contract will no longer be allowed to play in that condition,” he said.
“Coaches, presidents, and managers please ensure that this rule is kept because it is a messy situation when you have some with contracts and some without contracts and it is not a healthy situation,” Seaga stresses.
LOCAL PLAYERS
Michael Ricketts, president of the JFF, said the RSPL provides an opportunity for local players to impress and make a push for a place in the national programme.
“One thing is sure is that the players now have an opportunity to impress the coaching staff because there is no longer the influx of overseas-based players,” said Ricketts.
“I have always thought that if you are bringing in overseasbased players, they ought to be better than the players that you have,” he said.
“I think this is an opportunity for our young players to impress the coach and get into the national unit,” the JFF boss noted.
In the meantime, The Gleaner Company (Media) Limited, through its publication, THE STAR, also announced its continued sponsorship to the competition.
In addition to providing unmatched multi-platform coverage around the league, as part of their commitment to the RSPL, the company will be presenting two monthly awards to the top player and coach each. Both individuals will receive a specially framed Gleaner and STAR pages, respectively, along with cash award and other prizes.
The company also announced several initiatives involving the ball kids, which include a back-toschool scholarship as well as a mentorship programmes, and other initiatives. THE STAR’s match day execution also includes on the ground raffles at select games during this competition.