There will be no more changes to the start of the Digicel Pro League season. This was announced by CEO of the Pro League Dexter Skeene at the official launch of the 2011/2012 season, which was held at the VIP Lounge of the Hasely Crawford Stadium, yesterday. Skeene, along with chairman of the T&T Pro League Larry Romany, and former T&T nationals Sedley Joseph, Selris Figaro and Reynold Carrington were present at the function. After several delays, Match Day One will finally kick off tomorrow with a “Super Friday” double header at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya, beginning at 5 pm with a matchup between DIRECTV North East Stars and Pro League newcomers T&TEC. The match will be followed by Caledonia AIA matching skills with defending champions Defence Force, starting at 7 pm.
In relation to the ongoing state of emergency, which has of late disrupted the participation of Defence Force and Police teams in their respective sporting disciplines, Skeene made it clear that “as far as the league is concerned, the Defence Force and Police will be playing.” Skeene said, “We are making every effort to ensure that the defending champions of the T&T Pro League who put their lives on the line to protect us, that they are protected as well within the Pro League. So even if, in the worst case scenario, we have to put off all of their games, until after the state of emergency, we as the T&T Pro League will do that.”
Skeene also noted changes to the league are in the making. “The league is constantly looking to improve its performance on the field as well as off the field and our objectives this year is to ensure that we become more effective and efficient in terms of the administration side of it and in terms of the fixtures.” A key component of the T&T Pro League, Skeene said is to improve the quality in the atmosphere of the matches along with the increased attendances. As announced at the Pro League Launch, the “Super Friday”, being continued from last term’s fixtures will be improved with added attractions, such as the introduction of a “cooler lime” style for the evening matches.
“Fiesta Saturdays” were also introduced for Saturday matches where attractions such as face painting and bouncy castles for children, as well as give-aways, will be introduced with the intention of attracting more community support. Match Day One action will continue on newly dubbed “Fiesta Saturday” at the Ato Boldon Stadium with another double header. Police will challenge Adam’s Construction San Juan Jabloteh at 4 pm before W Connection take to the pitch against St Ann’s Rangers at 6 pm.
Source: www.guardian.co.tt