Fireworks expected at Basil Waite Football Under Lights

Four exciting teams are set to do battle in this Sunday’s semi-final of the Basil Waite Football Under Lights competition.

In one semi-final, Elim are set to tackle Middle East while Gilnock will play Braes River in another semi-final.

The teams are competing for the main prize of $100,000 that is on offer. The second-prize winner will get $50,000 while third place will pocket 35,000.

In last Sunday’s quarter-finals, One Knock defeated Vietnam 3-0; Elim beat Dunkley Town 1-0, Braes River stopped Brighton 1-0 and Middle East beat Content 1-0.

The final will be played on December 23 at Goshen Sports Complex. It will be preceded by a Christmas treat for kids.

Waite, the People’s National Party’s caretaker for North East St Elizabeth, said that in addition to the football competitions, he has been coordinating and sponsoring netball and cricket competitions in the constituency.

“It engages young people and provides an avenue for them to exert energy, have fun and build friendships. It also builds community spirit, and provides clean, healthy entertainment for the family; and it unearths and exposes talent,” Waite said.

“There’s nothing like sports to build bridges and communities and we must invest in our youth or else the devil will find work for idle hands. The formula is quality education, skills training, sports, and job opportunities. If we were to achieve that, we would have improved Jamaica, land we love,” Waite

said.

Content, the side from Goshen, were favourites but their home supporters were left stunned after they were beaten 1-0 by Middle East, a team from Siloah. Basil Waite

Braes River defeated Brighton on penalties to advance to the semi-final. Brighton won the Santa Cruz leg of the competition in the summer.