BDFSP back in the BFA Premier League

Published on January 27, 2023

The Barbados Defense Force Sports Program (BDFSP) football team will compete in the Barbados Football Association (BFA) Premier League this season.

That was confirmed yesterday by BDF sports coordinator and club president Captain Michael Jules after months of speculation about the status of the team and ongoing uncertainty about the future of the programme.

Jules noted that while they were still awaiting news from the government regarding the program’s existence beyond this year’s football season, the club’s First Division team would occupy one of the 12 spots in the top light while continuing to operate under the BDFSP name.

In the past, the squad consisted of former members of the BDFSP who have risen through the ranks of the BDF.

The team is managed by former BDFSP and international player Jamal Chandler, who represented Ellerton FC last year Republic Cup. Chandler, a Coast Guard officer, will be joined by Jason Lovell, Baggio Harewood and Raheim Sargeant, who were also there last year Republic Cup with Paradise FC. Former Porey Springs defender Rivaldo Graham is expected to play a key presence in defence.

The team’s head coach will once again be Asquith Howell, the most successful coach in BDFSP history as the team never finished outside the top 3 of the Premier League in any of their seasons in charge. The manager is Tahir Batson, who threw his full confidence behind the group ahead of Saturday night’s season opener against Abrahams United Silver Sands Wildey Lawn.

“The team has its strengths and I expect a lot from them this season,” Batson said during yesterday’s phone interview weekend Sports.

“We will do very well because we train the team and the players in the team. It will boost team morale and we expect a good performance this season.”

“We are aiming for all three titles this year. We’ve already done it, so why can’t we do it again? With Jamal’s experience we expect a lot from him with his experience and knowledge to take the team to where we want to be this season,” he said.

“The preparations for the first game are going well. We’ve had a tight schedule over the past few weeks. The boys are physically ready and we’re working on tactics and game plans. I have faith in the players we have and it should be a very good game.” (NM)