[dropcap]T[/dropcap]FC emerged champions in the Desruisseaux Football League (DFL) 2018 Knockout Finals Sunday with a win over DX United.
It was no easy feat for TFC in fact the game played before a large crowd could have gone either way. Despite glorious scoring opportunities from both teams and the score deadlocked at 0-0 late in the game it seemed extra time would decide the winner of this contest.
However, Dwayne Mason of TFC found the back of the net in the 88th minute which proved to be the game winner.
At the prize giving following the final Chairman of the DFL, Innocent St Ange said: “We have come to the culminating activities of yet another successful football tournament. These words must sound very familiar because this has been the norm for the Desruisseaux Football League for consecutive years from the date of inception. Yes we continue to be heavily criticized by our own just because we have not won a Blackheart, a Super League or a major national senior tournament.”
Having said that, he mentioned several achievements by the DFL in 2018 including their football development program which creates avenues for young people to showcase their talent; the DFL continuing producing a cadre of players that meet the standards of representing the National Team; In an Under 10 Eastern Competition hosted by the St Lucia Football Association (SLFA) Inc, El Ninos were the champions and Small Axe also from DFL finished third; In the SLFA Under 17 Competition La Courville FC and TFC were champions.
St Ange went on to say “these victories tell us that our Grass Roots Program is working and in the near future we will be a force to reckon with.”
Despite having a successful year, the Chairman pointed out that there were challenges. He mentioned the death earlier this year of footballer Lorenzo Isidore and the fact the DFL continues to struggle with resources with expenses overweighing revenue.
“We work with what we have every year to make the best of it,” said St Ange. “I would like to take the opportunity to thank the sponsors. We know it is difficult in these tough economic times, but you will always find something to ensure that Desruisseaux Football is alive.”
He also thanked the SLFA Inc for continued support of DFL programs and the various media houses for their coverage which was evident on Sunday.
Following his remarks Vice President of the SLFA Inc, Emmanuel Belasse congratulated the DFL on a successful season and said: “The St Lucia Football Association has maintained affiliates and I do not know of anyone minutes after a final is done, that can have a prize giving ceremony right away, so that is a positive move and you have to be congratulated for that.”
Noting the importance of sponsorship he told sponsors: “I commend you and want to let you know that every cent that you give to the league, is going to
help develop every young person in your league.”
Award recipients: Best Goalkeeper, Glendan Ferdinand (DX United); Best Defender, Quincy Winter (El Ninos
FC); Best Midfielder, Lamar Serieux (Diamond Ballers); Most Goals, Gerlannie Neptune (El Ninos); Best Young Player, Jason Lewis (La Courville FC); Most Spectacular Goal, Ectus Edward (El Ninos); Tournament MVP, Gerlannie Neptune (El Ninos); Most Improved Team, Diamond Ballers; Most Disciplined Team, Blanchard United; Best Coach, Macrina Fanus, Diamond Ballers.
Awards were also presented in Promotional League play with first place going to El Ninos.
