Dust settles and it’s right down to business
HAVING thus far experienced a season of unprecedented upheaval in the East London Central Local Football Association Premier League, it now looks set to be the most tightlycontested in recent memory.
The huge community support that has been following the games has witnessed their monies worth.
Only six points separate table-toppers Star of India and eighth placed Napoli. There has been a number of significant premier club management changes. The return of Gerome Kroutz to the Swaraj helm has boosted the Parkridge-based club, while Antoraz Gamiet and Flavio Sauls has taken over the reins at DiRoma.
Ayanda Zamxaka and Sheldon Marrilier have made their presence felt at Parkside United and Seagulls respectively.
Marrilier’s return to the Seagulls dugout after a brief sabbatical has had a strong galvanising effect, and his presence transformed the CC Lloyd-based outfit into the Association’s leading side at the start of the season when they won the Premier Top 8 and Easter Platinum Cup.
Vernon Nono has taken over the mantle at Atlantic Spurs, but he has struggled to rekindle a good early season start.
Millan coach, Nkosinathi Mani, also had a dream start, but his side has struggled in recent games, slipping down to ninth place. Riverside (Kelly Smith), Pride of India (Hilton Poovan), Star of India (Ameer Wookay) and Napoli (Lybo Poyo) are the only sides to retain their management structures from last season.
On Sunday, Atlantic Spurs will need to produce a herculean effort to unseat third placed Swaraj at 3.30pm, while Parkside United meet defending champions Riverside at 2pm.
Napoli host high-riding DiRoma at 12.30pm, and Pride of India cross swords with Brothers of Peace at 11am. On Saturday Star of India entertain Millan at 4pm and Conquerors face Seagulls at 5.30pm.
East London Central ends its first round of John Korkie first division league action this week at the North End Stadium. Yesterday, DiRoma United took on K-Way at 6.30pm and logleaders Saints crossed swords with basement dwellers Ngamla at 8pm. Tomorrow evening Leeds United lock horns with Imonti Christian Centre at 6.30pm and F C East London battle it out with Alphen Warriors at 8pm. On Sunday Central United face-off with Real Dukashe at 9.30am.