Arima, Naps in Big 5 ‘semi’

ARIMA and Naparima will square off from 4 pm today at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, Arima for a berth in Saturday’s final of the British Gas Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Big 5 competition.

“Naps” ousted Central Zone champs Presentation Chaguanas 2-0 at Guaracara Park, Pointe-a-Pierre in the lone quarter-final on Saturday last. But the South Zone princes were less than convincing with their display, and will need to sharpen up against the unbeaten “Dial Dynamos”. Naps’ coach Kurtwyn Baird, who guided W Connection to the Under-15 and U-17 titles in this year’s T&T Pro League, will have at his disposal strikers Brenton De Leon, Kern Robertson, Aaron Downing, Ateba Forde and Ancil Farrier, who have all been in fine form this season. But Arima, under second-year coach Kerry Jamerson, have similar strength in attack, including the starting duo of Gorean Highley and Dorian Daniel, as well as Derek King and Michael Hospedales. Naps are vying for their second Big 5 title while Arima will be seeking their first ever league crown.