Latest News
Harbour View look to impact Caribbean Club Championships
August 08, 2023
Two-time winners of the Caribbean Club Championships, Harbour View Football Club, aim to lift their third title when the season kicks off on August 23.
Affectionately labelled 'Stars of the East', they tasted victory at the 2004 and 2007 staging, and according to Clyde Jureidini, general manager, they are eager to hit the ground running.
"It's good to be back in the regional contest we've participated in since the late 1970s. It's good to be back after a break, and I think the players, coaches, management and staff are looking to make an impact, and are looking forward to the first game that will kick off against Dunbeholden here in Jamaica on August 23.
Harbour View are drawn in Group B alongside local Jamaica Premier League outfit Dunbeholden and Dominican Republic's duo of Atletico Pantoja and Cibao. Portmore United, Jamaica's third representatives, will participate in Group A with the trio of North East Stars (Trinidad), Defence Force (Trinidad) and Moca (Dominican Republic).
Jureidini shared that the tournament, which is used as a qualifier for the Concacaf Champions League, will provide additional exposure for the players and will help with the further development of the club, which is paramount to football's governing body, FIFA.
"The international club experience can never be replaced, and it's crucial in the personal development of players and of the club, the essential part of all FIFA development programmes in the Caribbean.
"So, we are looking to go as far as we can and capitalise on the exposure of players and technical staff, along with getting some international exchanges, in players getting larger contracts," he added.
The experienced football administrator, who would have overseen both of Harbour View's Caribbean Club Championships' titles, believes all the fixtures during the group stage will be difficult, as he opines that they are worthy opponents.
"Challenges will come from everywhere. Dunbeholden is the team we had to get past to win the 2022 JPL title, so we know that will be tough. We also know that the Dominican Republic clubs, particularly Cibao, have been doing well recently, so we expect the challenges to be game by game as we try to climb the ladder and see how far we can go," he said.
Jureidini stated that participating in the competition is already a success for Harbour View, but they look forward to leaving the group stage.
"Success is getting back to the Caribbean Club Championships, but further success will mean the accumulation of valuable points to progress out of the preliminary round," he said.
