No big shifts for Central
There will be no seismic shifts in the balance of power this weekend at the North End Stadium if the past 13 rounds of the 2018 sixth edition of East London Central LFA Premier League are anything to go by.
On Saturday, third-placed Pride of India entertain topsyturvy Conquerors at 3.30pm and the defending champions Riverside take on relegation threatened Napoli at 5pm.
On Sunday, second-placed Seagulls are expected to give basement dwellers Atlantic Spurs a tough time at 12.30pm, and a resurgent Brothers of Peace host struggling Millan at 11am.
Over the past three years, the same clubs have finished in the top four – Riverside, Swaraj, Star of India and Seagulls – and are expected to do so again.
However, premier league newcomers DiRoma and Pride of India have rewritten the script and have forced their way among the frontrunners after sublime performances.
Fourth-placed DiRoma face a test of character when they cross swords with fifth-placed Swaraj at 2pm, in what is regarded as the match of the weekend.
Parkside United coach Ayanda Zamxaka has brought a sense of stability in the Parkside camp this season with players such as Meyrick Sylvester, Keanu Perrin and Sheldon Windvogel.
They, however, face an ominous task in the main match at 3.30pm, when they square off against champions-elect Star of India.
The Braelyn-based green and whites look well-placed to win the premier league crown.
Star of India’s last Premier League triumph came in 2009, while sides such as Riverside and Seagulls have monopolised the trophy.
For club president Warren Vengadajellum, it is a title he craves, after having conquered the much sought after Easter Tournament Platinum trophy twice over the past three years.
“It is our greatest wish to win the premier league championship this season and lay claim to our rightful place as top North End premier side,” he said.
The EL Central John Korkiesponsored first division league action continues this week at North End. On Thursday, Saints take on Alphen Warriors at 6.30pm and champions-elect Imonti Christian Centre are expected to notch up maximum points against Ngamla at 8pm. Real Dukashe and Diaroma United face-off on Sunday at 9.30am. —