KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – The wait is over for local football fans as the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) is set to roar back into action this Sunday, August 24, promising a thrilling opening weekend packed with regional talent and intriguing storylines.
his season’s kickoff will be highlighted by a host of new faces from across the Caribbean, adding an international flair to the competition.
Defending champions Cavalier SC have made a significant move, acquiring dynamic Surinamese midfielder Zerguinho Deira from SV Transvaal.
Meanwhile, Mount Pleasant Academy have bolstered its squad with a double signing from Haiti, bringing in defender Raphael Intervil and forward Daniel St. Fleur from Real Hope FC.
The transfer market has been active domestically as well. Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Matthew Woo Ling is expected to debut for Montego Bay United after his switch from Vere United.
In a move between the posts, T&T National goalkeeper Arron Enill has traded Montego Bay United for the colours of Racing United.
The opening weekend features a full slate of compelling fixtures. The action begins Sunday at 3:00 pm with three simultaneous matches.
Chapelton Maroons host Tivoli Gardens at Turner’s Oval, Mount Pleasant welcomes Montego Bay United to Drax Hall, and newly promoted teams Treasure Beach face Spanish Town Police at STETHS.
The action then shifts to Stadium East for an evening doubleheader. At 4:00 pm, Molynes United will battle Waterhouse. The day’s headline clash follows at 6:30 pm, as the defending champions Cavalier SC take on perennial contenders Harbour View in a blockbuster opening-night fixture.
The weekend concludes with a Monday night doubleheader at Stadium East. Dunbeholden will square off against Portmore United at 5:00 pm, followed by a 7:30 pm encounter between Arron Enill’s new club, Racing United, and Arnett Gardens.
Despite the excitement, league organisers have confirmed a minor setback for the opening day. JPL CEO Owen Hill confirmed that while the games will proceed as scheduled, the broadcast may not be available for the first matchday.
“Everything is set for August 24th,” Hill stated. “The only caveat I’ll probably put in the whole thing is that we may not have broadcast on day one. And again, that’s because there are a number of technicalities that we’re working through. We had some challenges because of how early or late, if you want to call it that, we were advised, and then now we had to find a new production partner.”