Post-Melissa assessment to determine start of KSAFA’s senior competitions

President of the Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA), Mark Bennett, says his organisation will be holding discussions with clubs and other stakeholders to determine whether the start of their senior football competitions will go ahead as scheduled, following the passage of Hurricane Melissa on Tuesday.

Bennett said that the competitions are slated to begin early next month but that start date could change depending on the level of impact from the hurricane.

“We are scheduled to start our senior competitions in the first weekend in December,” Bennett said. “We have to do an assessment and based on that assessment we will know if we are going to stick to that date or start at a later date. We are yet to consult with our clubs to look at their state of readiness, especially looking at the impact of Hurricane Melissa.”

He noted that while there have been no reports of major damage so far, KSAFA is still gathering feedback from its member clubs to get a full picture of the situation.

“So far we have not received any major damage reports, but we are still awaiting feedback from our clubs and so as soon as that is completed, then we will know if they suffered any damage to their facilities,” he said.

“As a Jamaican and an organiser, we sympathise with those who would have suffered losses, whether it is property damage or lives, and so we stand ready to assist in whatever way we can as an organisation.”

Bennett also emphasised the importance of continuing KSAFA’s competitions as part of the wider national football development effort, even as recovery efforts continue across the island.

“Based on the damage that clubs would have received from the hurricane, it is important for KSAFA to continue to have their competitions to assist the national development,” he stated.

Hurricane Melissa, a category five system, severely battered sections of western Jamaica, leaving widespread destruction in its wake. Bennett extended solidarity to those affected, noting that KSAFA stands with its football colleagues across the island.

“We empathise with our colleagues in the affected regions, and we hope and pray that all assistance will be given to assist with their recovery process so that they can restart their football activities,” he said.