The Tribune

THE Western Warriors Football (Soccer) Club celebrated an epic season of success in the 2022-2023 Bahamas Football Association leagues, receiving four 1st place trophies in last Saturday’s BFA awards ceremonies. They won titles in the boys under-15 division, under-18, men’s league and the prestigious Men’s Hummel Cup.

This extraordinary achievement by one soccer club has not been seen in the Bahamas for decades, and is even more remarkable given the impact that COVID-19 had on soccer in the Bahamas, with the BFA leagues cancelled for two whole years.

But the Warriors developed special fitness programmes and drills that were sent to players every week by Whatsapp, so that players could develop their skills and stamina at home.

Once some group exercise was permitted by the MOH, the club started small group fitness sessions which observed all required COVID-19 protocols.

In the boys under-15, the Western Warriors team won all six of its matches, scoring 43 goals for the season, and only three goals scored against the team.

Many of the goals were scored by forwards and midfielders Rolph Gervais, BFA under-15 MVP, Chevchenko Mesidor, Wilson Jasmin, Dylan Archer, Djouwentzky Desronvil, Nathan Walker and Denali McCarthy.

Exceptional goalkeeping by Dhechen Gibson and Malique Kelly ensured that Warriors dominated the age division.

Other noteworthy team players include John Brize, Hakeem Forbes, Jude Russell, Robens Lhomme and Joshua Burrows.

This age division is coached by Paul James and Ezzard Charles.

In the boys under-18 division, the Warriors played 12 total matches, won 10 matches, drew one, and lost one, with a final goal tally of 62 goals for and 10 goals scored against.

Principal goalkeeper Deron Ferguson, who has been named to several men’s national teams, kept goal counts low.

Key players in this age group include Kenaz Swain, BFA under-18 MVP, McKenzie Chery, Benjamin Cole, Dillon Ferguson, Jermaine Joseph, Leonardo Fertil, Sylvester Brize, Canton Jules, Jaxon Bethel, Matthew Holst, Reuben Edgecombe, Wisdom Ngaobidi, Djino Bazaan and Matyus Duncanson. This age division is coached by Paul James, Ezzard Charles, and Romel Cime Augustin.

In the men’s senior league, the Warriors played 18 matches, won 15 games and drew three games.

In the Hummel Cup, the Western Warriors men’s team played tirelessly, beating out Dynamos FC 5-0 in the semi-finals and United FC 2-0 in an exciting final.

The men’s team includes many loyal players who have been with the Club since they were youngsters, including Troy Pinder, Jamar Townsend, Jamaal Nicolas, Sheltin Edmond, Lekenson Chery, Cameron Hanna, Edson Dorleant, Jacksony Agenor, Javan Missick and Peterson Kevin Joseph. Other notable players include Paxon Jean, Dason Estimable, Terry Delancey (Hummel Cup MVP), Kelly Bolivar, Romel Cime Augustin, Erold Thelusma, Ronald Brave, Similien Roose, Jean Francois, Amos Myrtil, and indomitable goal keeper Thaj Jay Asquith, winner to the BFA Golden Glove Award. The Men’s team is coached by Head Coach Benjamin Blanc, assisted by Paul James and Ezzard Charles.

The Western Warriors Football Club also has a grass roots program for boys and girls aged 7 to 11, which it has also rolled out to Uriah McPhee Primary School. The Club has competitive girls teams in the U15 and U18 divisions, and a women’s team, coached by former national team player and coach Cherlindria Thompson. The Western Warrior Boys U13 team, which was winning the division when the remainder of the season had to be cancelled due to BFA scheduling conflicts, looks forward to the next season.

The Western Warriors Football Club was founded in 2008 by Saskia D’Aguilar and Michael Hooper. The Club is committed to creating a wholesome environment where players of all nationalities, from all schools and neighborhoods, are welcome. The Club has a rigorous training program, with mandatory training for every age group 3 to 4 times per week. Superwash Ltd. sponsors the Club, and also provides support for players who need assistance with registration fees. For more information, visit the Club’s website: www. WesternWarriorsBahamas.co