It was a gift to the community as M&M Real Maracas, which in almost miraculous fashion, took the second spot in the “Champions of Champions” Super League Qualifiers winning their final game 2-0 over Siparia Spurs on Saturday.
The win saw Real Maracas leap-frog past Eagles United on goal difference as both teams were level on seven points at the final day of qualifiers.
Eagles United needed to secure at least a draw on the last day against already declared champions West Side Stars to remain in second position, but failed to do so, losing 4-2 and the second place.
Real Maracas won their last game from two first half goals, Brian Hinds in the tenth minute and Handell Manswell in the 23rd.
The win raised Maracas’ goal difference from (-2) to (0). The heavy defeat saw Eagles drop their goal difference by two goals, from (+1) to (-1).
At the end of the five match “Champion of Champions” Super League qualifiers, it was down to a single goal that separated M&M Real Maracas from Eagles United.
Technical Director of M&M Real Maracas and former head coach of the National Women’s Senior football team, Marlon Charles described his victory lap after the final game as a gesture to God, giving him thanks.
“To thank God is the most important thing for me.” “It was a team effort but not only that, it was a community effort,” said Charles.
“If the team had an FA game in the Centre of Excellence, we would’ve had support there. The community of Maracas deserves every bit of praise. Leaders are getting involved, especially those influential.
The community sees the importance of us as a team and what making it to the Super League means as a team and as a community.
The people from Maracas must see that they were the reason for the team’s success.” Charles also had praise for the coach and manager, “Robert Dennis did a fantastic job as coach, as did Derek Hospedales as manager. They both deserve credit for a job well done.”
Talking on the team’s preparation and objective going into the final game last Saturday, Charles explained, “This season, the team wasn’t at full fitness and it seemed that we were playing more defensive because we weren’t contesting as many plays; we didn’t venture forward.
The difference in the last game was our attacking play and high pressure. The players got the week off. After that, when they return, number one is on the agenda is fitness.”
“Now, our main goal is to remain in the Super League and it is expensive to do that. We are trying to attract sponsors as our earnings from last season carried us through this season.”
The Easter Football Association champion M&M Real Maracas will be joining Northern Football Association champion West Side Stars of Diego Martin in the Super League later this year.
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