Star of India deserve trophy
East London Central Local Football Association brought the curtain down on another highly successful 2018 football season when it hosted the final round of its 6th edition Premier League fixtures at the North End Stadium at the weekend.
The weekend was filled with drama and jubilation for contrasting reasons.
It was only fitting that the 116-year-old Star of India FC collected their maiden premier league championship trophy after consistent winning performances the entire season.
Star of India’s success was built around their strong and passionate club president Warren Vengadajellum who has been at the helm for 23 years.
He on the other hand attributed his club’s success to a loyal, selfless and committed club management comprising Ameer Wookay, Chippa Booi and Masinga Simbambane and the introduction of youth into his first team this season.
The 2013 champs Seagulls ended runners up but will count themselves unlucky after internal challenges at the start of the season ultimately cost them the championship.
The CC Lloyd-based outfit trounced the newly crowned champs 9-0 on the final day thus taking some consolation and once again demonstrating their class.
The young, talented Pride of India ended a commendable third after a double strike from Stetson Vasi and another from Juninho Klaasen earned the Braelyn side a 3-1 win against Riverside.
Much of the success of the black and white’s was attributed to club manager Hilton Poovan’s bold move to blood youth from his sides’ strong youth development structure.
Poovan paid tribute to the late Pride of India club treasurer Ramesh Govind who was laid to rest on Thursday after his side sealed third place with the win on the final day.
Parkside-based DiRoma ended fourth after recording a 2-0 win against already relegated Millan.
Earlier on Sunday Brothers of Peace beat 10th placed Atlantic Spurs 2-0 to secure 9th placed and their premier league status.