Naps, ‘Pres’ clash in Big 5

NAPARIMA will begin the quest for their second Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) “Big 5” (League) crown when they oppose Presentation Chaguanas in today’s quarter-final.

Kick-off time is 4 pm at Guaracara Park, Pointe-a-Pierre. Winner of today’s fixture will meet Arima in the second semi-final on Tuesday while the final is scheduled for October 25. Naparima, under new coach Louis Linton, had little trouble in winning the South Zone with two matches to spare. Veteran Brenton De Leon and Ateba Forde are the marksmen for the team which also includes seasoned players such as Kezi Lara, Javed Mohammed, Ancil Farrier and captain Lyndon Pompey.  Victory in their final Central Zone match against Carapichaima last Tuesday gave Presentation back-to-back zone titles.

With Kevon Lalloo, one of the top strikers last season, taking the playmaker role, the goalscoring hopes lie on the shoulders of Dwayne De Four and Anthony O’Garro. But Naps are an experienced bunch, and the “Pres” lads, under long-standing coach Glenford Thomas, will have to be their best to overcome the Southern giants and progress in the week-long tournament. Meanwhile, the SSFL North Zone concludes today, with three-time champions St Anthony’s hosting Malick at the St Anthony’s Grounds from 3.45 pm. The “Westmoorings Tigers” will use this match as a warm-up for their “Big 5” semi-final against Tobago princes Signal Hill on Monday.