SAN JUAN Jabloteh coach Keith Jeffrey predicts the people of Santa Cruz will produce one of the biggest crowds in recent Pro League, one that could pale the record turnout at the Morvant Recreation Ground.
Jeffrey will lead his side against W Connection in a Digicel Pro League clash today from 6 pm when, for the first time in the history of the League, the Brian Lara Recreation Ground on Sam Boucaud Road in Santa Cruz will host top flight football.
The Santa Cruz venue is the latest community-based location to host Pro League action after the Morvant Recreation Ground, which currently boasts the best supporter turnout averaging between 2,500 and 3,000, and the Naparima College and Barataria Recreation Grounds.
“It’s long overdue,” admitted the Jabloteh coach, who qualified the San Juan Kings for next year’s CONCACAF Champions League qualifiers by finishing runners-up in the Pro League last season. “We can’t go wrong with Santa Cruz. I know what Santa Cruz can offer.
Santa Cruz is a football and cricket community; it’s a sporting community.” Jabloteh are currently one spot behind Connection in third on the League standings, with both sides on 16 points, while leaders and two-time defending champions Central FC are three points ahead on 19.
“It’s a good billing, just right for the people of Santa Cruz,” added Jeffrey. “We will surpass what Morvant had. The people (of Santa Cruz) are saying they intend to bring more than 3,000 (today). So it could be in the region of 3,500- 4,000 or more. That’s the kind of 12th-man advantage we will have over Connection.” Jabloteh have five wins, one draw and one loss after seven league games this term, like Connection who have a better goal-difference, and Jeffrey is targeting nothing less than three points against the visiting Savonetta Boys.