Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter
David Hunt ... died last October. - Ricardo Makyn
Memories of fallen mentor, coach, father figure and friend, David Hunt, still remained fresh in the mind's of the Meadhaven United family as they achieved another significant milestone, promotion to the National Premier League (NPL).
The Super League club continued a near flawless performance in the NPL Play-offs, with a 4-1 win over Wadadah at the Urban Development Corporation playing field yesterday. But even in the midst of the joy of celebration, there was a pause for silent reflection as they contemplated the loss of the one who had always inspired them to push for success, but passed away before he could see the team achieve their dream.
"The team was definitely inspired by the memory of coach David Hunt - he was a big loss. He gave so much to the club but everyone came together and we are just happy we were able to honour his memory," said Alrick Clarke, Meadhaven coach and friend of Hunt.
"Sometimes when they are a bit down we remind them of where we have reached and what he would have wanted, so his influence is still a factor," he added.
Hunt, the team's head coach, was found collapsed in his Meadhaven home after suffering a heart attack in October last year, during the Manning Cup competition. Under Hunt, who also coached Calabar High and had a brief stint as National Under-17 coach, and Clarke, Meadhaven have won titles at all age group levels.
Careful planning
With one game remaining in the NPL Play-off, the Kingston and St Andrew Football Association team has now reached an unsurpassable 12 points, which not only secures their qualification but ensures that they hold on to the top spot.
"It took a lot of hard work; it took careful planning for the last six years and I am just glad to see that when it came to the moment we were able to execute perfectly," said Clarke.
"Right now the players are elated, but they are humble at the same time. There is just that good feeling of togetherness knowing that you have achieved something as a team that you set out to do," he added.
Already eliminated from the competition and on a bitter four-game losing streak, the westerners, who could only find 10 players to start the game, were able to offer very little resistance to the surging unbeaten Meadhaven.
The team's top scorer, Leighton Neita, who has found the net in every game for Meadhaven, barring a 0-0 draw at the Constant Spring Oval against Rivoli last weekend, had a brace in the encounter and opened the scoring in the 24th minute. However, left winger Jermaine Bucknor showed a bit of fighting spirit when he put 10-man Wadadah back on level terms with a goal in the 38th minute.
Neita then returned to crush the resistance as he restored the lead in the 55th minute and Keniel Hyde added another goal in the 68th minute. Dwayne Hunter then put an ailing Wadadah out of their misery with a goal on the stroke of full time. Wadadah were actually forced to finish the encounter with nine men after Ryan Boota was given a red card in the 75th minute.
Top flight
"We know it won't be easy to play in the top flight but we are not just going there to make up numbers, we are going there to compete and hopefully have a shot (at the title) some time in the future," Clarke said.
"We will definitely need to bulk up in a couple of areas - not all, but some. The season will be long and our squad is not that deep and they are also very young," Clarke noted.
With a number of players like Keammar Daley, Norman Bailey and Robert Palmer, to name a few, either having just left high school or still in high school, Meadhaven currently have an average age of about 23. The team also has to consider which venue it will use as its home ground next season.
Rivoli, who are in second place on eight points, and York, who are third on seven points, are in a heated battle for the final spot in next season's NPL. Wadadah will travel to face Rivoli at the Spanish Town Prison Oval on Sunday, while Meadhaven will finish up their fixture against York at the York Oval, no doubt with the memory of Hunt in their hearts.
Meadhaven United's leading scorer, Leighton Neita (left), and teammate Dwayne Smith caught in a celebratory mood. - Ian Allen
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