Montego Bay comes to town

CHAIRMAN OF Montego Bay United (MBU) Yoni Epstein says his club fully supports the decision by the Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL) to restart the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) on December 7, despite the devastation caused by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa a few weeks ago.

The deadly storm, which ripped through Jamaica’s western end, caused widespread destruction and has claimed the lives of at least 45 people. Several MBU players and their families were among those hardest hist, some of whom lost their homes, while the club’s Catherine Hall Sports Complex suffered severe damage.

“We are in agreement with the date that has been set and the decision taken by all,” Epstein said.

“We have already started our preparations in Kingston to be ready for the restart of the league on December 7. We are confident that we will be ready, our players, coaching staff, and technical staff are all preparing well. Our international players will start to rejoin us next week, and we will just continue to take it from there.”

Before the hurricane interrupted the season, the last set of fixtures took place on October 20 during match week nine, when Portmore United defeated Harbour View 4–1, and Tivoli Gardens edged Arnett Gardens 2–1 in a Monday Night Football double-header.

MBU, who last lifted the JPL crown during the 2015–2016 season, sit atop the standings with 22 points from nine matches, ahead of Portmore United (18) and Racing United (15). Defending champions Cavalier are fourth on 13 points.

Epstein noted that while the club is still assessing where it will play its home games, the team will continue training in Kingston for at least the next four weeks.

“We haven’t made a final decision yet on where we will play our home games,” he explained. “But for now, we will be in Kingston training and preparing for the restart. We are working on a few ideas and plans, but the intention is to eventually have our home games back in the west.”

Epstein also praised his players for their resilience and unity in the face of hardship, noting that being together in camp has strengthened their mental resolve.

“Coming out of the devastation in Montego Bay has helped them mentally,” Epstein said.

“Many of them lost their houses or have family members who lost theirs. But being back in camp, with light, water, regular meals, and the support of each other as brothers, has really helped to raise their mental strength and motivation, especially now that they know the restart date.”

Epstein pointed out that the tragedy has given his players an even greater sense of purpose and determination to represent their city proudly.

“I think they are hungrier to win,” he said.

“They recognise that there are more responsibilities on their shoulders for the city after what Montego Bay has been through. They are more positive and want to win the Premier League more than anything else now.”

Epstein stated that half the team hails from Montego Bay and others from Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, Kingston, and overseas.

The PFJL is expected to announce the new fixture schedule for the JPL in the coming days.