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T&T Defence Force Elite captain Kevin Molino and former head coach Densill Theobald walked away with two of the night’s most prestigious accolades — Tier I “Player of the Season” and Tier I “Coach of the Season”, respectively, when the T&T Premier Football League (TTPFL) held its awards ceremony at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port-of-Spain on Saturday night.
Both men were central to Defence Force’s standout campaign, and their dominance reflected the club’s continued strength at the top level.
During the league season, Molino and teammate Isaiah “Bongo” Leacock both netted 16 goals as Defence Force Elite ended their 2024/2025 TTPFL Tier I campaign with an unbeaten 22-match record with 62 points, 16 clear of MIC Central FC Reboot, as both team qualified to the Concacaf Caribbean Cup which kicks off later this month while the Army/Coast Guard combination also secured the First Citizens Cup title, beating their Tier II counterparts, 2-0, in the final.
In Tier II, Kelshall Alexander of Defence Force was named “Coach of the Season”, underscoring the club’s depth of talent and leadership.
One of the most talked-about moments of the night came when Derrell “Zoom Zoom” Garcia was named the 2025 “Rising Star”, a nod to his flair, promise, and the bright future ahead for the young player.
In his feature address, TTPFL’s chief executive officer (CEO) Yale Antoine described the 2025 season as “not just another chapter in the league’s young history — but a turning point in our ambition to build a professional football ecosystem that is sustainable, competitive, and proudly ours; guided by an administration duly elected by our esteemed members.”
Antoine, who delivered the feature, highlighted the season as one of growth, improved professionalism, and stronger community connections.
He said, “From the energy on match days to the discipline off the field, we saw clubs raising their standards, young talents emerging, and communities and supporters reconnecting with the game they love. We also saw the return of packed stands in several venues, a testament to the growing trust and belief in what we are building together.
“Among some of the major strides made in 2025 were deepened collaboration with regional and international stakeholders, including Concacaf and FIFA, with a focus on development and good governance.
“Greater competitiveness from Tier II clubs, showing the impact of work being done at grassroots and semi-professional levels, and participating on a larger scale than ever before.
“Continued rollout of professional licensing standards and the implementation of systems to better monitor player welfare, match operations, and club administration.”
Acknowledging that such structural improvements might seem like “red tape” to some, Antoine stressed their importance as foundational progress for both tiers of the league.
Antoine also expressed gratitude to some key partners who have supported the league’s vision, inclusive of the executive of the T&T Football Association for their guidance, the Ministry of Sport and Community Development for their steadfast backing and belief in the power of football and the sponsors and broadcast partners who believed in the product even during its formative stages.
Looking ahead, Antoine said the goals are simple but ambitious as they continue to raise the professional standard of the TTPFL; Invest in domestic staff and player development through their in-house initiatives such as coaching and administrative courses; expand the league’s commercial appeal; and cement football’s place as a positive force in our national life.
Special Awards – Honouring excellence on and off the pitch
Stalwart award: Shelton Williams (FC Phoenix).
Unbroken Line award: Ryan Ottley (T&T Defence Force Elite).
Pitch Perfect Presence: Shakira Thompson (T&T Defence Force Elite).
Home Away from Home award: Gregory Mc Sween (Harlem Strikers)
Golden Glove
Tier I: Marvin Phillip (ACPOS).
Tier II: Denzel Riley (Malabar Youngstars)
Golden Boot
Tier I: Tyrone Charles (Central FC).
Tier II: Joash Baird (Palo Seco Union Hall United).
Outstanding Players by Position
Defender of the Season Tier I: Isaiah Garcia (T&T Defence Force Elite).
Defender of the Season Tier II: Theo Crovador (T&T Defence Force T2).
Midfielder of the Season Tier I: Kevin Molino (T&T Defence Force Elite).
Midfielder of the Season Tier II: Isaiah Williams (Malabar Youngstars).
Forward of the Season Tier I: Isaiah Leacock (T&T Defence Force Elite).
Forward of the Season Tier II: Gerald Meloney (Malabar Youngstars).
Behind-the-Scenes Heroes
Twelfth Man Award: Gary St Rose, Sharon O’Brien, Tyrique Lambert, Yuri Chapman.
Award for Administrative Service: Jillann O’Connor.
Executive Distinction Award: Sharon O’Brien.
Legacy of Service Award: Kurt Harry.
Legacy in the Making: Tisha Belfon.
Referees and Match Officials
Outstanding Service Award: Kwinsi Williams.
Excellence in Officiating Award: Cecile Hinds.
Champions of 2025
Tier I champions: T&T Defence Force Elite
Tier II champions: T&T Defence Force
Team of the Season: T&T Defence Force Elite
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