WITH THE culmination of the most exciting Barbados Football Association (BFA) Women’s League in years, all involved should be applauded for a job well done, as the competition attracted interest from a much larger spectatorship than years ago.
Congratulations to the national association for structuring such an organised and well drilled competition. Their professionalism set the standard for all involved to follow. The referees, coaches, players and supporters did so with a high level of decorum.
The coaches must be giving plaudits for their endless hours of service to the seven clubs, who have all showed a significant improvement. Most noticeably is Eden Stars Unity I, a combination of Eden Stars and defunct club Unity ballers.
The squad is made up of a number of young players who have shown tremendous ability and courage against some of the more senior teams in the competition.
There is no doubt that the game has improved amongst the women and for those original doubters and critics, it gives me great pleasure to note the egg on your faces when spectators observed the great work the various coaches have done to improve the quality of play.
Coaches who have stood the test of time and offered their talents voluntarily to develop the sport, such as Thomas Jordan, Richard “Juggy” Forde, Adrian Mapp, Frank Holder and Julian Annel must be commended for a job well done. The Football Association must continue to lend these gentlemen and all other coaches their support and the resources needed for continuous progress in the women’s game.
Coach Forde specifically has been involved with women’s football from its inception; one may even consider him a pioneer of local women’s football. Forde recently created history with his National Sports Council (NSC) squad by completing a hat-trick of Premiership titles.
Forde’s accolades are not to diminish the efforts of the other hard-working coaches but it is the perfect example for others to follow; hard work and persistence equals probable success.
The league went down to the very last day and this is testimony to the competitive nature of the teams involved. There is no wide disparity between teams as it was in the initial stages; six points separated the top four teams, while an equal number separated between fifth and seventh.
A total of 178 goals were scored in 84 matches which averages at two goals a game; indicating the close nature of most of the games. Genesis were responsible for 37 of those goals, making them the highest goal-scoring team, particularly due to their 12-0 drubbing of Empire, who were top of the list for most goals allowed with 47.
An impressive 12 players scored five goals or more during the competition, with Alexandra student and league debutant Rihanna Cyrus of Eden Star Unity I topping the charts with 11 league goals. She was closely followed by fellow schoolgirl Felicia Jarvis, who registered nine goals, along with the University of the West Indies’
sharp-shooter Coleen Johnson.
Following the completion of the 2014 Barbados Football Association (BFA) Women’s League, here is my BFA team of the league.
Formation: 4-4-2
Coach: Richard Forde (NSC)
Goalkeeper: Cadijah Mars (UWI): Arguably the best in her position at just 18 years old. Her outstanding performances between the upright inspired her team to a second-place finish.
Defenders: (left back) Aalyah Boyce (Mavericks) – The youngest member of our back four had an impressive season at left back. Despite her small figure she matched each attacker pound for pound, and was a part of a solid Mavericks backline.
(Left centre back) Kerry Bascombe (NSC) – Her presence was integral in NSC’s title retention. Her no-nonsense defending and ability to lead from the back ensured solidity and stability.
(Right centre back) Shonna Evelyn (UWI) – A senior figure in the league and one of the “originals” of women’s football. Evelyn was not just effective at protecting her own goal but she came up with some key strikes of her own to either save her team from defeat or ensured they snatched victory from their opponents.
(Right back) Jeneva Miller (Mavericks) – The senior figure of Mavericks’ centre back duo. Miller was a key reason for Mavericks being the conceding the least amount of goals this season.
Midfielders: (left midfield) Rihanna Cyrus (Eden Stars) – At 15 years old the Alexandra student took the Women’s League by storm with her league leading 11 goals but more so with her confidence and technical ability.
(Left centre midfield) Renasha Jones (UWI) – The flamboyant Tobagonian was a livewire throughout the season with her fantastic dribbling ability and piercing eye to split defences. Formed an important partnership with Coleen Johnson to combine for 16 of UWI’s 27 goals
(Right centre midfield) Tianna Hackett (NSC) – She was the highest scoring midfielder this season with eight goals, as she showed her experience, especially coming on to the closing stages of the competition; netting some very important goals which proved to be title deciders.
(Right midfield) Felicia Jarvis (Mavericks) – Another 15-year-old who exhibited her talents and capabilities amongst the senior women. Her nine goals this season made her the second highest goal scorer in the league.
Forwards: (left forward) Coleen Johnson (UWI) – The Anguillan international has a natural eye for goal, wherever she is positioned around the penalty area, she is likely to score. Nine goals in 12 matches is commendable by any standard.
(Right forward) Jalisa Callender (NSC) – Scored the goal which confirmed NSC as 2014 champions; a memory which will be forever etched in her mind. Powerful, skilful and a ferocious shot makes her a prized weapon in any team’s artillery.
