Jeffers Confident in United’s Title Defence Despite Tight Race

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Head Coach of All Saints United, Schyan Jeffers
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By Samuel Peters

In an exclusive interview with Observer Media, All Saints United Head Coach Schyan Jeffers expressed confidence in his team’s title defence of the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association’s Premier League, as they trail leaders Sandals INET Grenades by a single point with seven crucial matches remaining in the season.

Jeffers, who guided United to last season’s championship, reflected on the fascinating rivalry that developed between his side and Grenades. “Within the last three seasons, the competition between the two rivals has been the same,” Jeffers explained. “The one that Grenades won, we were leading in front, and they took over. Last season, Grenades were leading, and we ended up winning by goal difference. This season, it’s basically the same pattern – we are trailing by one point with seven more games to go.”

Despite their recent loss to Grenades, Jeffers maintains unwavering confidence in his squad’s ability to retain their crown. His strategy involves keeping consistent pressure on the leaders, hoping to capitalize on any potential slip-ups. “Without putting added pressure on my team by maintaining that small gap between us and Grenades, it would not put them under any panic to drop points,” Jeffers articulated.

The defending champions have been dealing with injury concerns, particularly in defence, since the season’s opening fixture. However, Jeffers’ tactical approach of recruiting versatile players has proved invaluable in managing these challenges. “Because of the way we select players to our team, meaning that we select players that have more than one skill set who can play various positions… that’s what we’ve been using for the whole season, moving players around, especially in the defence,” he explained.

The acquisition of Raheem Deterville from Old Road has been particularly significant for United’s campaign. Jeffers highlighted the striker’s importance not only to the team’s championship aspirations but also to potentially making history. “This is very tremendous for Raheem because he can get a three-peat in most goals. I don’t think anybody in the history of our football has ever had a three-peat in most goals,” Jeffers noted.

The transfer window has seen United strengthen their squad with four to five new additions, though Jeffers indicated they’re still in the market for defensive reinforcements and potentially another striker. “The club is pretty much still ungrounded and it’s pretty much still focused on the task we have at hand,” he assured.

As the season enters its crucial phase, Jeffers’ tactical awareness and his squad’s versatility could prove decisive in what promises to be another thrilling conclusion to the ABFA Premier League season.

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