James scores big at StJFA presentation ceremony

WESTERN BUREAU:

As was the case at the recent Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Western Confederation end-of-season presentation ceremony, Montego Bay United FC's (MBUFC) Kemar James was the toast of Tuesday night's St James Football Association (StJFA) awards ceremony, walking away with two major awards.

James, arguably the top striker in St James, took home the Leading Goalscorer and Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards for the StJFA Captain's Bakery & Grill Knockout competition. At the confed presentation, James took the MVP, Best Forward and Leading Goalscorer awards.

"I am really happy about this, because I have working very hard over the years to improve my game," said James. "I am hoping that I will be able to do the same in this year's National Premier League."

James was not the only star who sparkled for MBUFC - which emerged champions of the competition. Neil Lynch took the Top Goalkeeper award and his former coach, Peruvian Danilo Barriga, was adjudged the Top Coach. MBUFC pocketed $100,000 for winning the competition.

The other awards were as follows: Fourth-place, Little Miami FC - $40,000; third-place, Catherine Hall FC - $60,000; and second-place, Revelation FC - $80,000.

In the Guardian Life Division Two segment, champions Hart Street took the major spoils as, in addition to the Guardian Life Trophy and the $90,000 winner's cheque, goalkeeper Dovian Watkis took the Top Goalkeeper award and their coach, former national player Allan Aarons, took the Top Coach award.

The other Division Two awards were as follows: MVP - Ewayse McKenzie of Lilliput FC; first hat-trick of the season - Kenrick Haughton (Heights FC); $50,000 to the Most Disciplined Team - Green Heights Assemblies; fourth-place Albion FC - $30,000; third-place Maldon FC - $50,000; and second-place Lilliput FC - $70,000.

In his address, St James FA president, Texchus Nembhard, encouraged the teams to follow the example of MBUFC and try to create a professional club with a sound management structure.

"Gone are the days when we have just one man running a club," said Nembhard, who also spoke to the need to revive women's football and have referees from the parish officiating in the National Premier League. "What we want to see are clubs that are vibrant and sustainable."

Guest speaker at the ceremony, educator Sandra Christie, also spoke to the need to create sustainable clubs with high standards. She said, for St James' football to return to the top echelons of national football, sound club structures are needed.