FIRST, THERE was the Olympics. Next, a tropical storm. Then a break of what initially appeared one, then two, three and finally four weeks to sort out a variety of issues, the latest between the sport's governors and the club association.
Considering even the feisty issue settled this week between the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and the Premier League Clubs Association (PLCA), in its own way, each delay has served to thrust the kick-off for this season's Digicel Premier League (DPL) squarely into the limelight.
At the ready, a healthy dozen teams will begin the journey for what remains the ultimate prize, to be crowned champions of the island's premier football competition today.
Linval Dixon's Portmore United, led by Roen Nelson's rapid and extraordinary scoring on his return from Trinidad and Tobago well into the competition, secured that honour in commanding fashion last season, streaming away from what at one stage appeared a mouth-watering championship battle with Tivoli Gardens, Harbour View and Waterhouse.
It pretty much sums up the key to the DPL, which was officially launched on Friday, it's not so much about how you start the race, but how you finish.
Check last season's first end of round final when six teams were making a go for the two-team play-off in the last set of matches. Those teams included newcomers St Georges of Portland and Seba United, a traditional giant with titles to boot.
St georges survived drop
By the time the competition got down to the very last round, both were battling relegation. St Georges, a real bright spot for the eastern confederation, survived the drop, thanks mainly to the exploits of scoring ace, Damion 'Boy Boy' Harwood.
Another giant and perennial contender, Arnett Gardens, also barely survived. With Kevin Wilson again leading their goal hunt, the Junglists have fortified their unit by adding close to 30 players, including one-time Waterhouse captain Desmond Breakenridge.
Seba, unlike Arnett, didn't escape the drop, depriving Montego Bay representation in the league, once unthinkable.
It's a constant feature of the Premier League - two fall and as many rise. August Town, after a brief stint, also lost the relegation battle.
It's a lesson for those who will join the happy gang this season, especially rank newcomers Meadhaven United, who have made the climb with Rivoli. The latter have been there before and are well aware of the difficulties. They have retooled with numbers near equal to Arnett.
Not to be outdone, the Drewsland crew has again gone for overseas-based talent, adding to its talented base that will again have that familiar hitman on the frontline, Kevin Lamey.
financial challenge
A thought must be spared for David 'Wagga' Hunt, the head cook and bottle washer, a real driving force and football stalwart behind Meadhaven, who passed away last year.
Like his club led by inspirational national youth player Keammar Daley, others, no doubt, will be faced with the perennial challenge of finance, which in truth, has cost many their spots as well.
Also, as happens in every other league, players and clubs battle to end contracts ahead of time. In some quarters, that too was a feature of this pre-season, played out this time with Caribbean club champions Harbour View pinning their national central defender, Jermaine Taylor, who tried a move to St Georges; and Waterhouse doing the same to midfielder Hugh Howell, who sought a move to Meadhaven.
The season is long and each game will enhance the league as it continues to rise from the shadows of the Olympics, storms and debates of that nature between the game's governors and clubs defending their own affairs.
- Audley Boyd
TODAY'S GAMES
Portmore United vs Tivoli United at Ferdie Neita Park - 4 p.m.
Tivoli Gardens vs Meadhaven United at Edward Seaga Stadium - 5 p.m.
Boys' Town vs Arnett Gardens at Collie Smith Drive - 3:30 p.m.
Waterhouse vs St Georges' at Drewsland - 4 p.m. Harbour View vs Village United at Harbour View - 6:30 p.m. Sporting Central Academy vs Reno at Brancourt - 3:30 p.m.
