‘I am more happy for the club’ - Portmore coach becomes one of few to win JPL as player and coach

On Sunday, Rodolph Austin led Portmore to their eighth Jamaica Premier League (JPL) title after a 5-3 penalty shoot-out victory over two-time defending champions Cavalier, after the game ended 2-2 in regulation and extra-time.

Although it was Austin's first domestic trophy, in the process, he followed in the footsteps of highly rated local coach Lenworth 'Teacher' Hyde to win the coveted title as a player and a coach, although only a young player at the time (2005).

However, for Austin, all the credit should be given to the players and the club.

“It's pleasing [to win as a player and as coach], but I am more happy for the players. I have to give the players the credit, they are the ones who went out there and got the job done.

"It's a good feeling, maybe it hasn't sunk in as yet. I don't really spend time and think about those things.”

Still, the rarefied air he now stands in is noticed.

"Yes, [it's special], but not yet. I might need a few more days for it to really soak in, but I am more happy for the club. It's a club I came through as a youngster and, for the past seven years, I don't think we have been where we should, and it's nice to see the whole community of Braeton and [its] surroundings come out and support the team. It’s really good for football in Jamaica," he said.

Ronaldo Robinson fired Portmore in front after five minutes, but a double from Kimarly Scott (26th, 43rd) put Cavalier ahead before the break.

Portmore equalised 15 minutes into the second half through a Tarick Ximines header.

However, when both teams failed to add to the scores afterwards, penalties were required, and Portmore struck a perfect five from five, while Cavalier's Terence Williams missed the third kick for his team.

"We started the game well. Had a few chances we didn't capitalised on," Austin recalled. 

"We made two mistakes to let Cavalier back in the game and had to fight hard to get back in the game. But that we did, and brought it to the end and came through with the penalties.

"We showed good character getting back into the game and I am really proud of the boys."

According to Austin, the players now have the mentality required of champions.

"We made some changes to the whole mentality of the players, and [at] half time I let them know, ‘We are not going to lose this game, because we are not losers,’” he said.

"Some of them have never won the league before and this was their chance to go out and change things.  And they gave me their word, and it was very good of them," he commented.

He said their performance over the play-offs and their victory on Sunday were a result of the winning mentality they have at the club, and that he was always confident when they went to penalties.

"It's good to get another one (title). That's what we always try to do. It's a club where we have a winning mentality and once you join, you have to have that winning mentality. 

"From the start of the play-offs, every session we practised penalties. The players have been kicking good penalties, so I wasn't scared. It's good for them to come here and really do it when it matters."

Meanwhile, Cavalier lost a glorious opportunity to join Santos FC as the only club to win three consecutive national titles.

Nevertheless, assistant coach David Laylor said they have nothing to be ashamed of.

"I would just sum it up that, well done Cavalier, when you are going through rebuilding and you reach this far [it's commendable). So the team did well. I can't say anything bad about tonight (Sunday). 

"We weren't expected to reach this far, but it speaks to the coaching that has been taking place at Cavalier, and these youngsters really responded well," he said.

"We expected to take another year or two to settle in the league, but they settled well and brought us this far. It was a good effort from the youngsters and good coaching from the Cavalier team."

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com