Hill champions discipline among JPL players

CHIEF EXECUTIVE officer of Professional Football Jamaica Limited, Owen Hill, has issued a strong call for discipline among players as the country’s top-flight football competition kicked off on Sunday.

Hill emphasised that discipline is an essential pillar of the league’s growth and warned that poor conduct could negatively affect the development of the competition.

“Discipline is a big thing and we want to maintain that standard, that level of professionalism; and we hope that we will be that standard-bearer for the region, so that when everybody looks on, they can be proud of what has been done,” Hill said.

He also further reminded the players that their responsibilities extend beyond the pitch.

“It is an important element of the growth of professional football in our region and we are the standard-bearers, so I will implore all the players to adhere to the rules of the game; but also remember that they are ambassadors for the country and also for their own communities,” he said.

This year’s competition will feature 12 teams, with Cavalier entering as defending champions. Police and Treasure Beach have been promoted to the league for the new season. Hill noted that the standard of play has improved significantly in recent years.

“The standard has definitely improved, because they see it on match days when the players are going against each other, and not the big blowouts that you may be accustomed to, but top-quality play,” he said.

“A lot of these players are now making mega transfers, not just intra-competition, but also heading out, and we are happy about that because it just speaks to the growth.”

While acknowledging that the league has not yet reached its ultimate vision, Hill expressed optimism about its progress.

“I am not saying that we are close to our vision, but we are getting better at it,” he said.

Hill also reaffirmed the organiser’s commitment to raising the league’s global profile.

“As organisers of the league, we are committed to ensuring that the competition continues to improve towards global standards,” Hill concluded.

“The Wray and Nephew coaching school has been providing quality coaches for the clubs and that is massive, and then going into our new paradigm with our production and broadcast solution. So we are taking Jamaica to the world, and so the players should be more than happy about that; and we will look at any kind of bench mark and set against those.”