James bags three trophies at Confed awards

Western Bureau:

Kemar James of Montego Bay United Football Club (MBUFC) was the toast of Tuesday night's Jamaica Football Federation's (JFF) Western Confederation end-of-season presentation and awards ceremony, walking away with three major awards.

On a night in which MBUFC, formerly Seba United, took home the coveted Captain's Bakery and Grill Trophy and cheque for $150,000, the reward for winning the 2010-11 Captain's Bakery Western Super Football League, James copped the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, The Best Forward award and the Leading Goalscorer award.

"I am really happy and pleased," said James, who also got a cheque for $10,000 with each award. "This is great encouragement for me going into the upcoming National Premier League."

Awards-filled night

James' MBUFC colleagues Tristan Bernard, Daryl Murray and Iton Scott, and his former coach Danilo Barriga, also collected individual awards. Bernard took the top goalkeeper award, Murray the top defender award, and Scott, the top midfielder award. Barriga bagged the coach of the year award.

The breakdown of the other awards handed out on the night were as follows: The Fair Play award - Catherine Hall FC, mid-season champion - Wadadah FC ($50,000), mid-season runner-up - Montego Bay FC, runner-up in the league - Wadadah FC ($75,000), third place - Montpelier FC ($50,000), and fourth place - Frome FC ($30,000).

Chief financial controller of The Captain's Bakery, Wayne Saulter, who addressed the ceremony, said that despite the tough economic times and criticisms in some quarters, The Captain's Bakery's commitment to sponsoring local football remains rock solid.

"We make no apology about what we are doing," said Saulter. "Times are getting increasingly challenging for businesses but Captain's Bakery remains committed to supporting local football."

In a brief address, Burrell congratulated the western confederation for what he described as "a well-run league devoid of any disciplinary problems". He said he was particularly pleased that St James has once again qualified a team for the National Premier League.

In speaking briefly about national football coach, Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore, who hails from Montero Bay, Captain Burrell said the former World Cup star was doing a fan-tastic job as national coach.

"Tappa is doing a fantastic job and I am really impressed with him, especially his fearless approach to discipline," said Captain Burrell. "I believe he has a far way to go and he has the full support of the JFF."

- A.F.