The wait is over - St James FA vows to begin leagues next week

BY PAUL A REID Observer West Writer reidp@jamaicaobserver.com

Thursday, February 09, 2012

MONTEGO BAY, St James - With or without a title sponsor, competition in the St James Football Association's Senior and Division One Leagues will get underway next Thursday, says president Texchus Nembhard.

In an interview with Observer West on Tuesday, the St James FA president said they would not be waiting any longer before getting the ball rolling in the parish leagues.

"We have waited long enough and it is time we get those two leagues underway," Nembhard said.

The St James FA sponsorship with telecommunications company Claro should have been in its third year, but with Digicel absorbing Claro, the St James FA was left stranded without a sponsor.

Nembhard told the Observer West that they have been working overtime to find a new sponsor, adding that while talks have been on going, nothing yet has been concretised.

"We have had talks with a potential new sponsor," Nembhard confirmed with Observer West, "but we can't say anything yet and regardless whether we come to any agreements, by Thursday the leagues must get underway."

The team have been kept in the loop he said, as there have been several meetings held to ensure that all the stakeholders were kept up to date on proceedings.

All the teams he reported, have been in training for the past two months "so they should be ready for the competition."

In their quest to find new sponsors the FA has turned to former president George Evans, who has now joined the marketing committee.

Meanwhile, 10 teams will play in the Senior League, while 11 will compete in the Division One competition, the Observer West was told.

Granville City, Little Miami, Montego Bay Boys Club, Melbourne FC, Violet Kickers, Salt Spring Roses, Revelation, Mt Villa, as well as promoted teams Rosemount United and Norwood Strikers will contest the Senior League.

A 11th team, North Gully Ambassadors, have repeatedly missed deadlines, Nembhard said, noting that it was unlikely they would be included in the fixtures, when action starts.

Last season's Division Two winners Hart Street and beaten finalists Lilliput Rovers have been promoted to the Division One League and will play alongside Reggae Youths, Seaview, Abes, Juniors, Kempshot, Marl Road, Westgreen, Salt Spring United and Barrett Town after Champions YC did not turn in an entry form.

League Director Gregory Daley said they were yet to decide on the format of either league adding that it will be dependent on final meetings with representatives of the participating teams scheduled for later this week.