Seaview Gardens seeking redemption in Major League quarterfinals

Seaview Gardens FC will be seeking redemption in the first leg of the Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) Wray & Nephew-sponsored Major League against Allman/Woodford FC tomorrow.

Seaview Gardens general secretary Gerald Hunter said the team is heavily motivated for the quarterfinals after missing out on the knockout round last season by a single goal.

The team needed a win in their final game of the group stages but fell just short as they were held to a draw by Shortwood United FC at home.

“Last season we missed out on the knockout stage by a goal and this season we’ve gone a little further,” he said. “Last season, we needed a win at home to go through over Shortwood and they came and drew with us, so we missed out on the knockout stage at that time.”

For Seaview Gardens, the knockout stages of the Major League is familiar territory as they are often considered title contenders each season. However, they have had their fair share of heartbreak, crumbling at the final stages.

Hunter said the team is ready to prove they can go all the way in the competition and earn their promotion to the KSAFA Championship division.

“Prior to COVID-19, it was a regular occurrence for us to make it to the knockout stage. This time there is no pressure. We intend to go all the way this year as that is the focus of the team. We’re putting in every effort to make sure that happens.”

Hunter will be placing his trust in a very young squad as he said the average age of the team is 23 years old.

He believes the team has the ability to claim the Major League title despite their age. According to Hunter, the squad is filled with talented players in every position and are boosted by the presence of the league’s top goalscorer Zenard Street.

Street has scored 16 goals in 17 games so far, and Seaview will be hoping he can add to his tally to fuel their title ambitions.

“We’re going to make sure we take care of business. We have the leading goalscorer in Zenard Street and every year he’s been in double figures for goals in the league,” he said. “He has spearheaded the attack. He has shown that he can play at the highest level but he has chosen to stay here and be a part of our journey to the next level.

“But it is not just Zenard though, we have seasoned players in all departments.”

Tomorrow’s games

Seaview Gardens vs Allman/Woodford

Cooreville Gardens vs Police National FC

New Kingston vs Duhaney Park

Maxfield Park vs August Town FC

All games kick off at 3:30 p.m.