BELIZE CITY, Mon. Aug. 10, 2015–It looks like a rocky start to the Premier League of Belize’s 2015-2016 Opening Season, with some details still being ironed out with playing venues; but they say “good things come in small packages,” and though the upcoming tournament is down from 9 teams to 6, perhaps 7, it promises to be as keenly contested as ever. For the first time in 7 years (when Verdes last represented Belize in CONCACAF’S Champion of Champions tournament), the overall winner of the upcoming PLB tournaments is guaranteed a spot in next year’s CONCACAF Champions League 2016, since the FFB Stadium has finally met the high standards required.
Latest reports from the PLB secretariat are that 6 clubs are confirmed to take part in this season, and they will all see action this weekend. The League is reportedly “bending” a little, under the stadium circumstances, to try and accommodate a possible other entry – that of FC Belize.
According to FC Belize manager Ken Vasquez, “If we cannot get lights to train, FC Belize will not take part in this tournament.” Vasquez made that statement last Thursday, August 6, when he was understandably depressed, as he also informed us via text that, “Shemar Moore was one of our players. He got shot, and may not make it … talented youth.”
In a page 12 article in Amandala of Sunday, August 9, titled “Two hospitalized from morning shootings on Jane Usher Boulevard,” Roland Parks reported that “just before 11:00” on Wednesday morning, August 5, “Raheem Arnold, 22, and Shemar Moore, 17, were shot during separate shooting incidents that occurred minutes apart.” According to the Police report, “Shemar Moore was shot in the right arm, left armpit, left foot and in the left upper leg.”
When we spoke to Ken later that day on Thursday, he was greatly worried that Shemar was a very slim bodied person, and thus his great concern about the injuries.
Today, we received a short note from Ken, “Hey, the youth Shemar went home today. God is great!” That is great news, indeed! The other young man’s injury was much less severe than Shemar’s. After care will be important, though.
Despite the relief, Vasquez was still unhappy with the situation at the MCC, but thankful that the league has been considerate in their opening weekend fixture. “We still haven’t gotten any form of confirmation about lights. However, FC Belize will not be playing this weekend; we got the bye.”
Hopefully, wise heads intervene at the Sports Council, and some lights get installed at the MCC to allow the effective participation of FC Belize in the Premier League tournament. It’s bad enough when we don’t make the playoffs; but, what, no top level football in the old capital? No “Fire pahn di Barracks?!”
Meanwhile, Lilly White reported today that Monday night football at Yabra Field features exciting Over-40 and Over-50 football UNDER LIGHTS.
Wahn lee rat seh, if Haaman kyan handle, maybe Philby dah di man.
PLB 2015-2016 Opening Season Week 1 schedule:
Saturday, August 15
7:30 p.m. – Verdes FC vs Placencia Assassins – Norman Broaster Stadium
7:30 p.m. – Wagiya FC vs BDF – Michael Ashcroft Stadium
Sunday, August 16
*4:00 p.m. – Police United FC vs Belmopan Bandits FC – Norman Broaster Stadium
(Note: *The venue is still tentative, until further notice, for the game between Police United and Belmopan Bandits, which is scheduled at Norman Broaster Stadium.)