Motivator Ballers were crowned champions of the People’s Progressive Party-Sophia, Turkeyen, Liliendaal and Cummings Lodge Cluster 7-a-side football competition which concluded on Sunday at C- Field Multi-Purpose Centre, Sophia.
Motivator Ballers produced a clinical display as they overpowered Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) Eagles to win by a comfortable 4-0 margin, in the grand finale which was contested over 30 minutes.
Kevin Padmore put Motivator Ballers ahead when he slotted home in the 7th minute, and for the first time in the tournament CPCE Eagles found themselves trailing.
Two minutes into the second half, CPCE Eagles made a blunder in their area which resulted in an own goal that stretched Motivator Ballers lead.
CPCE showed purpose in the second half, but were denied courtesy of some stern defending by their opponents. However, Padmore extended his team’s lead as he netted his second in the 26th minute.
Two minutes later, the tournament’s leading goal scorer Jermain Junor added another to give his team a well-deserved win.
E Field Dynamites defeated A Field Warriors 1-0 in the third place game. Meshack Softleigh scored the winner in the 6th minute.
Motivator Ballers won their semi final encounter against E Field Dynamites 2-1 via penalty kicks after the teams were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation time. Akel Plase scored in the 7th minute for Motivator Ballers, while Nathaniel Paul netted for E Field Dynamites in the 17th minute.
CPCE Eagles won their semifinal match 1-0 against A Field Warriors. Hemen Moses slotted home for the winners in the 6th minute.
Motivator Ballers received $400,000 and a trophy while , CPCE Eagles took home a trophy and $200,000. E Field Dynamites pocketed $100,000. Medals were also given to the winners and runner-up. North Sophia Hardball won the exhibition game 3-2 via penalty kicks against Gennaside; at the end of regulation time the score was 1-1.
Junor (05) took the leading goal scorer prize, Hemen Moses was the MVP and Simeon Hackett of Motivator Ballers won the best goal-keeper of the tournament award.
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame Mc Coy congratulated the winners and thanked the other participating teams. He added that the competition will be held annually. Also present at the final was Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond. A total of 16 teams participated.
