Cavalier SC slowly finding their feet

Technical director Rudolph Speid knew that Cavalier were in for a rough start to the 2019-20 Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) season before a ball was kicked.

Since their opening day win against Dunbeholden, the results have fluctuated losing 3-0 to Harbour View, salvaging a point against Humble Lion in a 1-1 draw, and being put to the sword by Tivoli Gardens 2-0 last week Sunday.

Last Monday night they put together their best performance of the season, blanking The University of the West Indies (UWI) FC 4-0 at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex to put themselves in third place in the league table.

It was a result that brought satisfaction to Speid in more ways than one. "It's the most pleasing performance so far this year. It's not just the goals, I think we played exceptionally well in keeping possession, then transitioning into attack," he said speaking to STAR Sports.

More difficult

Monday night's result was significant not just because of the performance as Cavalier were only able to field a squad of 16 players due to injuries. Even more difficult were the hurdles that both players and manager had to deal with since the summer.

"You would not believe the setbacks we have had this season. We started [preseason] late. I got sick. Then Brian English got his foot broken in the second match [against Harbour View]. [Julian Manning] got shot that Sunday night in a drive by just before the match, and two other players [Marlando Maxwell and Jordan Nembhard] were in the hospital for dengue fever," he said. "We just had a lot of trials and tribulations and we were down to only 16 players that Monday night,"

Even with the setbacks that have been forced on the team, Speid praised the attitude of the players throughout the period, especially the young players who have been called on to play important roles in the games so far.

"The team is so diversified. There is not a feeling that this team belongs to me and my friends. Everybody just wants to come and work hard," he said.

"It's is admirable that 18-year-old Richard Brown has been playing exceptionally well at the back. Ajay Chin has just settled in and has been welcomed. Maxwell has been able to show me what he's got, and Kyle Ming has shown that he is the best right back in the country. So the camaraderie in our team is really great."

Ming was among the goalscorers in the 4-0 win along with Alex Marshall, Kimani Gibbons and Chevone Marsh. Cavalier will travel back to the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Sunday to face Arnett Gardens.