MoBay ready for new-look Vere Phoenix

NEW HEAD coach of Montego Bay United FC (MBU), Argentinian Rodolfo Zapata, says today’s matchup with Vere United won’t be easy. Still, the team is ready for its Jamaica Premier League (JPL) opener at the Wembley Centre of Excellence at 3:30 pm.

“We worked really hard in the pre-season. I am so proud because the boys responded positively to my coaching. It won’t be an easy game, it is a tough league,” said Zapata.

“I remember the Reggae Boyz in 1998, and after analysing the league, I know that all the games are going to be tough, but we are ready,” he added.

Zapata began his career as a professional football player in Argentina before getting a coaching degree and moving to North America where he worked for the United States Olympic Development Program, coaching and identifying young talent for the US national team.

He has been a head coach for some of the biggest clubs in South Africa, Botswana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Rwanda, as well as the Fiji U20 national team. He is also the founder of the Rolo Zapata Academy for boys and girls in Argentina.

“I want to win every single game. That is the reason why I am here. My expectation tomorrow is to get the three points. Take it step by step, one game at a time. I believe in my boys. We have a nice group of experience and young talent.”

In the off-season, MBU added 12 experienced players, including international players to help boost their roster.

The Jamaican players are Shaniel Thomas, Jamel Vassell, Demarion Phillips, Tyrone Harrison, Dylan Zane, Romario Smith, Jahmar Stevens, Shaven Salmon, and Kevaughn Perry.

While Aaron Enill, Jordan Britto, and Jevaughn Thomas have been brought from Trinidad.

MBU went on a 10-match unbeaten run in the second half of last season that included a stretch of five wins on the bounce. They missed the playoffs on goal difference to Waterhouse FC.

Last season, MBU drew with Vere United 1-1 away and won 2-0 at home.

Owayne ‘Turtle’ Gordon, captain of MBU, said the team’s expectations are to pick up from where they left off last season.

“Our goal is to go out there, play good football, and stay focused. We have been working hard to be ready for the season, so I have no doubt we will go out and display good football. We will play to the best of our ability and try our best to walk away with three points,” Gordon stated.

‘It is an away game, but I wouldn’t say it will be a lot of pressure. Every player and team have one goal and aim is to win every game as possible,” he added.