Rivoli, Cavalier clash in JFF play-offs
RIVOLI UNITED and Cavalier FC will clash in the Magnum-JB Charley Rum-Jamaica Football Federation Premier League play-off opening round today at the Spanish Town Prison Oval starting at 3:30 p.m.
The play-offs are being sponsored to the tune of $7 million by J Wray and Nephew. The top team will receive $200,000 and a trophy, while the runners-up are guaranteed $150,000 and a trophy. Each of the four teams involved in the play-offs will receive $100,000 and gear.
Both Rivoli and Cavalier are experienced premier league campaigners relegated two seasons ago. Now, they are back in the play-offs battling for the two available spots to next season’s Red Stripe Premier League.
“To be honest, it is a very important game for both teams. We made mistakes in the past and were relegated on four occasions, so the plan is to get back there. We need to get off the mark with a win,” coach of Rivoli United Anthony Thompson told The Sunday Gleaner.
Rivoli will rely on captain Fabian Gordon, Jeremy Nelson, Owen Warren, Sheldon Bartley and Damion Alves to start at home on a winning note.
FAVOURED TEAMS
Cavalier’s technical director Rudolph Speid said that both teams were favoured to reach the play-off stage.
“Both teams were able to keep back players, so it is not surprising to see them back in the playoff. We believe that Rivoli are a strong team, so the aim is to go there for three points; if not, a point on the road would be good,” Speid said.
Cavalier will look to players such as Oshane Jenkins, Swayne Thomas, Nicholas Hamilton, Alex Marshall, Al Nesbeth, as well as new additions Norman Bailey and Kaheem Parris.
In the other game, Priory SA will oppose Sandals South Coast at Drax Hall in St Ann, also starting at 3:30 p.m.