Defending and five-time champion St Augustine will meet three-time champion Naparima in the first semifinal of the BG T&T Secondary Schools Football League Big Five tournament at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella from 4 pm, today.
The last time the teams met, Naps came away 3-1 winners, and the title holders who are in search of their sixth trophy, will be hoping to turn the tide and advance to the final.
The “Green Machine” has already retained its zonal title and according to assistant coach Trevor Elcock are confident of getting past the south zone giants. “We are going to go about business as usual.
We are confident and will be taking no chances in this match. Naparima is a very good team, we know what they give and so we will be coming prepared.
I know it will not be a walk in the park for us, but we are going to prevail in the end,” said Elcock. Naps on the other hand, which did not claim any silverware last season, has already recaptured the zonal title to make it number six. They are now going in search of a fourth national title.
Coach and former national player Leonson Lewis said his charges are anxious and rearing to go. “The boys are eager to represent the zone and I think that they are prepared for the battle at hand.
“While we have won the zonal title, we now need to see how many more titles we can add to that. It will not be an easy match, since Gustine is a well balanced team,” said Lewis.
“Once we play to our ability, I have no doubt we will overcome their challenge. I feel this team could match any team in the league, and we are going to approach this match with that in mind.”
17