Super League showdown
published: Saturday | January 3, 2004

By Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS Santos are bracing for a stern challenge from team of the moment Maverley/Hughenden in today's JNBS Kingston and St. Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) Super League Mid-season final at Waterhouse Mini-Stadium, starting at 3:00 p.m.

Maverley/Hughenden topped the 11-team standings with 23 points, four ahead of Santos and last season's demoted National Premier League team Bull Bay (19 each), and Boys' Town (18), all of whom were in contention up to the final round of preliminary games on Tuesday.

Today's clash will be the second between the two and Maverley/ Hughenden, who won the first round match 1-0 at Santos' home ground, will be looking to repeat as winners.

Based on observations this season and with only one defeat, coach Dennis Duncan believes his Maverley-Hughenden team can beat any team in the league.

Concerning his confidence for another win over Santos, Duncan said: "Yes. Maverley is a team that can beat any team."

However, he expressed a bit of caution, adding: "Being as it is a final any team can win.

"We are going to approach the game very cautious, and watch and see what Santos have to offer."

Santos' coach, Carlton Dennis said: "This is a final and everyone is equal."

Regarding their previous clash, Dennis commented: "We know the mistake we made in the preliminary loss (0-1) and we will be trying to correct it.

Dennis added that winning this final means a lot to his club, especially with $100,000 up for grabs.

"We need the cash to keep the programme going," he said.

The runners-up will pocket $50,000.

Despite having the services of leading goalscorer Andre McLean and Loxley Thompson up front, Kevin Eldimire formerly of Arnett Gardens, former Waterhouse player Patrick Reid and David Watkins of Constant Spring, Duncan said, Maverley/Hughenden is not a one or five-man team, stating that "we give a team effort".

He said their strength come from "... the unity among everyone, that's where our strength is right now."

Dennis refused to comment much on the opponent, saying:

"I don't know much about Marverley, what I do know is we're a quality team so we are just going out to do our job."

Santos' top marksmen are Gray Brooks and Richard West with seven goals apiece, while Hanif Freckleton and goalkeeper Andrew Sewell are other the players capable of winning the game for Santos.