After two previous unsuccessful attempts within the last week to gain promotion to top-flight football on the island, LA Starz of La Plaine has done the job on the third attempt.
With a final spot in the Premier Division League up for grabs ahead of the 2021 season, LA Starz emerged victorious in the final encounter of the 2020 season.
On Tuesday evening at the Benjamin Park in Portsmouth, LA Starz defeated Belfast Estate Mahaut Soca Strikers FC by three goals to two in a playoff battle.
Rick Blaize, Daniel Pendengue, and Ridge Blaize scored one goal each for the winners. Yhan Timothy and Denzel Laudat were the players on target for the losers.
The defeat means that Mahaut Soca Strikers FC has been relegated and will compete in the Division One league next season.
LA Starz FC joins three other clubs from the south east of the island in the Premier Division in 2021. The other clubs based in the area are WE United FC from Castle Bruce, East Central FC from San Sauver, and South East FC from Grand Fond.
Speaking to DA Sports Vybez following the triumph, LA Starz FC coach, Dirk St. Jean, said that the victory in a dream come true.
“Word can’t really explain how I feel right now. As you can see, my voice is gone. I guess we had to do it the hard way. We had a few chances to gain promotion and we finally took the last one. I must commend my club for a very great effort. We did it against a Premiere Club so this shows that we deserve to compete in the Premier League. I asked my players to give me 300% and that is exactly what I got,” an emotional but elated St. Jean said.
In making reference to his club’s participation in the Premier League next season, St. Jean said that the main aim is to maintain its position in the top-flight competition.
“Training starts from next Tuesday. Our primary objective is to remain in the Premier League and to be title contenders thereafter. We will be looking to strengthen our club so we will be recruiting a few players who have been playing for other clubs and we are looking to bring them back home,” he added.
NIN extends heartiest congratulation to LA Starz on their promotion to the Premier League for the 2021 season. LA Starz FC and Middle Ham FC are the two clubs to be promoted while Exodus FC and Mahaut Soca Strikers FC will be relegated to the lower tie competition.
