Highgate, Seba set sights on DPL qualification

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Highgate United and Seba United will square off in a pulsating encounter, which could see either team securing a spot in the Digicel Premier League next season, as action continues in the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Confederation play-offs at St Mary Sports Club (formerly Gray's Inn), starting at 3:30 p.m.

The St Mary-based Highgate, who are the Eastern Confederation champions, and Seba United, winners of the Western Confederation, are both locked atop the standings with eight points and a win for either team will see them taking one of the two spots up for grabs in next season's Premier League.

They are followed in the standings by Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) champions Cavalier (four), who are still in with an outside chance of advancing.

Going all out

However, they must beat bottom-place Rivoli United (one) in the day's other game, at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex, starting at 3:30 p.m., and hope that the results in the final round work in their favour.

Calvin Lewis, coach of Highgate, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Seba in their first round meeting, said they will be going all out for a victory.

"My team's spirit is right now and the players are looking forward to this game because they are confident of a victory tomorrow (today)," said Lewis.

"This game is a final for us and so we will be treating it as a must-win game because we are not going to wait until the last game of the season to try and qualify for the Premier League," Lewis said.

He added: "We know their strengths and weaknesses and we have prepared ourselves to capitalise on the weaknesses and to neutralise their strengths."

Former national striker, Roen Nelson, along with Carlos Barrett, will lead Highgate's hunt for goals. Richard Orrett, and Severo Murphy will drop the anchor in midfield, while Anthowe Dawkins, captain Kwesi Campbell and experienced goalkeeper Leighton Murray will look to shore up Highgate's defence.

Confident

However, Seba United are also confident and their manager, Kareen Kelly, is sounding very upbeat ahead of today's encounter.

"We are confident of a win and if we can't win the game then we will settle for a draw," said Kelly. "Our preparations this week have been wonderful and the players are in high spirits and they are raring and ready to go."

She continued: "We know that it is going to be a very tough game because Highgate is a very good team, but I know that my team is ready for the challenge and I know we will come out on top."

Iton Scott, who scored the equaliser for the Seba in their first round fixture, will lead his team's charge along with Kemar James. They are expected to receive all-round support from Jermie Bucknor, Omar Reid and Seian McNish.