MIGHTY SHATTA FC

 

Congratulations to Shatta FC for winning the league and finally being crowned playoff champions after defeating Presby FC 2 goals to 1 on Sunday, Sept 15. This match up was David vs Goliath or Raptors vs Warriors as I’m sure Shatta FC was heavily favored to win the finals. As I stood from across the bleachers watching both teams, it was clear which team was more focused, ready and organized before taking the field at 4pm. Both teams had enough players available by 330pm, the Shatta FC squad had changed, finished their stretches and had their starting 11 ready before 4pm. Meanwhile, Presby FC squad looked like they were just happy to make it to the finals. I noticed a few players doing the Shaku Shaku dance; some were still in their church clothes while others were taking their sweet time changing. Frankly, the body language on the Presby sideline was 1 that didn’t look confident and nervous.

 

For the first time in a long time I noticed Coach Shatta had a look of letdown. In my opinion, if your coach has to tell you to stretch and warm up for the final, then you don’t deserve to win that game. For some reason I walked over to the Presby side to get a team picture and the look I got from Coach Shatta, right away I knew I made a mistake as I stealthily went back to my 1 corner, but I digress.

 

On a damp and slippery Humber College Park, Shatta FC took the lead about 10 minutes into the game by attacking Presbys defense and was rewarded on their first attempt on goal with a brilliant individual effort by Derrick Boateng. Without a doubt, the first half was completely dominated by Shatta FC. Before the first half was over, Presby found themselves down 2 goals and looking for answers. Defensively and offensively Presby could not figure out how to break the Shatta FC defense or keep up with their strikers on the other end. Efforts by Presbys strikers Sarfo and Perry were quickly shutdown by the defensive duo Jessey and SteveO.

 

When Presby introduced arguably the fastest player in the league in Nate Marksman on the left wing, the field then tilted to their favor. In the second half we saw Presby play to their strength, which is using their speed as the defense had finally settled while Shatta FC looked to have slowed down. Presby would finally breakthrough about 15 minutes into the second half with a beautiful goal from Nate exploding down the left wing on a through ball from Sarfo to beat goalkeeper Kwame Frimpong. Presby would later have many chances but most were not on target. Shatta FC was able to hold on for the 2-1 win and also win their first playoff title after 7 attempts. Congratulations Shatta FC!

 

On behalf of the GCSL, we would like to thank the teams, players, coaches, managers and the fans for a wonderful season. We are all thankful for exciting, clean football without any major incidents on and off the field. Also, we saw some new young faces emerge and ready to take over the league next year as I’m sure we probably saw a few older players on the pitch for the last time.

 

 

OFF SEASON TARGETS

 

SHATTA FC – I’m sure Amanfour will be able to keep the team together especially after a championship run. 1 thing they need is a consistent and trustworthy goalkeeper. It's nice to trust your captain and striker to also be the backup goalkeeper but as we expect teams to improve their rosters during the off season, this might backfire next year. 

 

ASPIRE FC- Stay the course, hopefully Coach Raymond will return next year and continue to develop the young lads in the Aspire FC system as we have all seen significant improvement from the team this year. 1 thing they can use a couple of veteran players to command and control the ball and the team overall as well as a goalkeeper to push their lone goalkeeper King.

 

APOSTOLIC FC – After pretending to contend for the title, Apostolic was exposed by Presby in the regular season and in the playoffs. Basically, they need to keep the core guys, young players and get rid of the divas surrounding the team. 1 thing they need is a committed and proven striker as well as another strong defender to help Sidik at the back if they want to return to the glory days.

 

REUNION SC- Clean house – With only a few committed players on their roster, Reunion needs to look at rebuilding around their star player David. They tried repeating what they’ve done in the past by fielding old players in the playoffs and it backfired. Be loyal to your serious players Reunion. 1 thing this team needs to get in the off season is committed players. With Kwame Boateng leading the offense and defense when needed, all they need are serious players to contend next year.

 

PRESBY FC- Loyalty – Presby has been the only team in the league who has kept the same players on its roster for the last 4 years with minor additions. Making it to the finals is good, but winning it is even better. They need to target a striker and a solid midfielder in the off season to give guys like Kofi and Nana a break frim the injuries and leave Sarfo at the back to dominate games. Also, they can improve by adding a goalkeeper who can challenge the defense.

 

FC BRAMPTON- Same as Aspire FC, Coach Tuffours commitment and authority is key for the team success. Hopefully the players and team manager Benjamin can give him some autonomy in 2020 to help take another positive step forward. 2 things FC Brampton needs, a striker and goalkeeper. With a pretty solid defense led by Kelvin and a stud midfielder in Mark, getting these 2 things will greatly improve their team.

 

We will see which new team joins the league next year. Let's continue to build the league and the community everyone.

 

Thank you all, stay safe and stay active. Until next summer. God Bless!!!!!!!!