Arnett holding out hope for playoff berth
Published:Saturday | April 25, 2026 | 12:07 AMGregory Bryce/Staff Reporter
Arnett Gardens assistant coach Dicoy Williams said they are still confident of securing one of the top six spots for the playoffs and inspire a late charge for the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) title.
Williams was speaking on Thursday after their 2-1 win over defending champions Cavalier where they earned a massive win in their race for a playoff spot.
Arnett currently sit seventh in the JPL standings on 49 points, three behind sixth-place Cavalier on 52.
With three games left to play, it will come down to the wire for the Junglists who are seeking to secure a spot in the top-six.
The last time the Junglists missed out on a playoff spot was in 2021, when they finished ninth in a COVID-hampered JPL season.
Williams said their win over Cavalier, which saw them closing the gap to the top-six to three points, has been a major boost to their confidence.
He said his players are ready to fight to the final match day to achieve their season’s objective.
“We have to believe the season’s not over,” Williams said. “We have to believe. I think this game pushed us a little closer.”
He continued,”We have to keep the guys rounded; keep them to know that the season does not end until the last game. We have a chance and we have to believe and see what’s up in the last game.”
It has been an inconsistent season for the Junglists who have lost 15 games this season, their most in a single season since 2006.
Despite this run of form, Williams said he still believes they have what it takes to make the playoffs and push for the title.
“I always believe the team can win. I would never take the job if I don’t believe they can win,” Williams insisted.
“I think once we reach in the top-six our luck should prevail. Footballers need some luck and I think we’ve been inconsistent but hopefully, if we reach the top six, things will turn around for us.”
Williams said this is not the first time they have pulled off the improbable, harking back to their title win in 2016.
Arnett finished sixth in the league and booked their spots in the playoffs, where they defeated Montego Bay United, Humble Lions and Portmore United to lift the coveted trophy.
He is hopeful the legacy of that title run 10 years ago can prove an inspiration to the team today.
“We have to believe and push the players every day they come to training,” he explained.
“I’ve been in this position before where the club has been in sixth position and we end up winning the league. From my experience, I have to come each day, motivate them, get them ready, tell them about the past.”
Williams continued, “Hopefully the guys can grasp it and come out every week and give a fighting spirit in the game’s effort each week and the sky’s the limit.”
Arnett’s remaining games will see them take on Portmore United, Spanish Town Police and Chapelton Maroons.