MBUFC gears up for Premier League

Western Bureau:

After initially abandoning its bid, the newly created Orville Powell-led franchise, Montego Bay United Football Club (MBUFC), has acquired former national champions Seba United Football Club and has rebranded the 39-year old club.

"Effective Monday, July 25, MBUFC officially took over Seba United," stated a release from Powell, a former president of the St James FA.

"In our discussions with the people, we recognise that for us to move forward with football, there must be a united effort and stronger determination to make this happen," the release added.

While the need to restructure was accepted by supporters of the club, the idea of changing the name from Seba United to Montego Bay United was roundly opposed, with some fans labelling it, "insensitive" and "disrespectful" to the club's founders and rich history.

However, in announcing the name change, Powell declared that, despite some protests, MBUFC remains committed to take football and the City of Montego Bay, its players and fans to greater levels of achievement and economic returns, arguing that "the name Seba will remain the centre stage of Montegonians' conversation and the likely opposition to its change was expected".

While some fans remain angered by the name change, several influential individuals, including Montego Bay's Mayor Charles Sinclair, and former president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and noted publisher, Lloyd B. Smith, have endorsed the move.

More marketable

Speaking at the recent Citizen Security and Justice Programme Goals 4 Life football competition's end-of-season presentation ceremony at Jarrett Park, Sinclair urged Montegonians to embrace the charge, arguing that it would lift the profile of the club and make it more marketable.

"It is an idea whose time has come and I believe we should all support the change," said Sinclair. "This is good for Montego Bay and I am fully prepared to support it."

As the new entity begins to prepare for the post-Seba United era in the upcoming National Premier League season, which is slated for an August 28 kick-off, training has commenced under the direction of current national coach and former Seba United stalwart, Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore.

"We are in the initial phase of our preparation," said Whitmore, who has former St James High School coach Pastor Hugh Solomon as his deputy. "We are expecting additional players to come in as we go along ... things are steadily falling into place."

The old Seba United facility at the Lion's Den in Irwin, located on the outskirts of Montego Bay, has been extensively refurbished to include new facilities, such as a swimming pool and a modern training facility, as part of the move to lift the profile of the club.

Recognising that not all Montegonians are ready to throw their support behind MBUFC, especially the disgruntled Seba United supporters, Powell is pleading for understanding and has called on "those who say it can't be done not to interfere with those who are doing it".

- A.F.