Bull Bay's Richard Brown (right) moves the ball away from August Town's Joshimar Campbell, while his teammate Andre Morris looks on during their KSAFA/Claro Super League match at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex recently. August Town, which won 2-0, are seeking to topple Constant Spring later to maintain their lead - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer.
With just six rounds of matches to go in the KSAFA/Claro Super League, it is still anybody's guess as to who will be crowned champions as four teams are in with a solid chance of winning.
They are leaders August Town, second-place Cavalier, third-place Santos and fourth-place Jamaica Defence Force (JDF). Only five points separate the quartet, with August Town on 36 points, Cavalier 33 and Santos and the JDF on 31 each.
This weekend's 17th round promises to be enthralling with the Calvert Fitzgerald-coached August Town, which are yet to lose a match this season, playing sixth-placed Constant Spring at Constant Spring.
"In order to win the competition, we need to get these three points," said Fitzgerald. "Traditionally, they are a good team, so despite their position in the league, I am expecting a tough challenge.
"With six matches left our destiny is our hands," added Fitzgerald.
Constant Spring, conditioned by the veteran Danny Lyn, are on 24 points and are virtually out of the title race.
"We are looking to improve our standings, given the fact that we are basically out of the league (title race). We will be stressing on giving some of our younger players some exposure as we build for next year, while aiming to win the match," said Lyn.
The next potentially hot showdown will be between former kingpins Santos and mid-table campaigners Maverley-Hughenden at the Bell Chung Stadium.
The Carlton 'Spanner' Dennis-coached Santos, which are hoping for August Town or Cavalier to slip up, will be favourites to get the better of the red-and-white standard-bearers, but with Maverley boasting the third-highest scoring record, it is not expected to be a walk in the park for Santos.
dream season
The much-talked about Cavalier, which have been having a dream season under coach David Laylor, will put their 10-3-3 record on the line when they play eight-place Real Mona at Buttercup Park.
The travelling Cavalier, who are on a high following their 4-0 thumping of Liguanea United last weekend, are expected to get the better of their opponents, who have blown hot and cold all season long.
The JDF, in the meanwhile, should be smiling as of the 'Big Four', they have what appears the easiest assignment of the round against third-from-bottom and relegated-threatened Mountain View at Up Park Camp.
In a fixture they are expected to dominate, a victory for the soldiers and a mishap involving the top three, would strengthen their chances of winning the title.
Elsewhere, fourth-from-bottom Duhaney Park, whose exploits in the national knockout competition supersedes their confederation performances, will host last-place Liguanea United, while fifth-place Bull Bay, which are at least three wins behind the leaders, travel to Molynes to face second-from-bottom Police National.
Meanwhile, Claro/Major League leaders Rae Town and second-place Central Kingston will seek to extend their lead atop of the standings with away games against Cooreville Gardens and Rockfort, respectively, while third-place Brown's Town will be at home to Swallowfield.
Elsewhere, Molynes United host Olympic Gardens, Seaview Gardens travel to Meadforrest and Port Royal entertains Barbican.
In the Claro/Syd Bartlett League that will be played tomorrow, leaders Whitfield Town will have a rest week, but second-place Greenwich Town will play away to the University of the West Indies (UWI), third-place Shortwood will host Pembroke Hall, New Kingston welcome Maxfield Park, Island Special Constabulary Force tackle Allman/Woodford and Shortwood entertain Pembroke Hall.
All matches are slated to start at 3 p.m.