The question of “Who will be crowned champion?” looms in the air as this season’s edition of the Jamaica Premier League draws closer to its end.
Following Monday night’s results, which saw Arnett Gardens and Waterhouse book their spots in the semi-finals, both fans and neutrals are in for a treat when the semi-final first legs kick off on Sunday, May 5. It was fairly decent but goalless for much of the game between Arnett Gardens and Portmore United, as it looked as though the match was heading towards extra time. However, captain Fabian Reid had other plans as he slotted home a 90th-minute winner to send Arnett through. They will now face Cavalier in the next round of the competition.
Meanwhile, Waterhouse, who dismissed Tivoli 2-0 to advance, will go head-to-head with the defending champions, Mount Pleasant, in the semi-finals on Sunday at Sabina Park.
With much at stake, all teams will be bringing their A-game to the field for a place in the final, but one team that seems not only eager but desperate to etch their name as champions of this season is Arnett Gardens. In an attempt to end the team’s trophy drought, head coach Xavier Gilbert is driven by optimism and faith. The last time the Junglists won the title was seven years ago, back in the 2016–17 season.
The road to the final won’t be easy by any means, with them set to contest stern opposition from last season’s beaten finalist, Cavalier. Arnett has yet to beat Cavalier this season, drawing their most recent encounter 2-2 and losing the other 3 nil, but coach Gilbert is backing his team to not only overcome the Cavalier hurdle but also to possibly go all the way this season. To ensure success, Gilbert underlined the significance of keeping an optimistic outlook and concentrating on the current work at hand as both sides strive for victory.
“We knew it would only get tougher as we went on, and that’s a given. But when the situation becomes difficult, that’s when we need to show our strength and stand up to it. So, yes, it will be another tough encounter against Cavalier, but we have to prepare mentally and physically for it and then analyse how we’re going to approach that game tactically,” said Gilbert in Monday’s post-game interview.
While optimism doesn’t win titles, it is definitely a good characteristic to have going into a crucial encounter that will determine the success of their season. Arnett is known for its fighting spirit and will not go down without a fight, but Cavalier will not be easy to get past. Boasting a squad filled with youthful exuberance, tactician Rudolph Speid will be aiming to guide his side to back-to-back finals.
