Maroons to bolster squad in transfer window
Published:Saturday | January 3, 2026 | 12:10 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Chapelton Maroons started the 2025-26 Jamaica Premier League (JPL) season on fire, with three wins from their first three matches. However, since then, the wheels have fallen off and they have recorded just one win in their last 10 games.
That win came in midweek against Treasure Beach, lifting the Donovan Duckie-coached team out of the relegation zone and into ninth on 15 points, the same as Tivoli, Molynes United and Waterhouse, who are ahead of them on goal difference.
Coach Duckie said they have already identified the issues and will be going into the transfer market, both locally and overseas, in the January window to find players who can give the team the cutting edge it needs in the final third.
“We have to reinforce in some areas. We want a little bit more to push us over the edge offensively,” he reasoned.
LOOKING FOR AN EDGE
He said they will go in the market for a striker, a creative midfielder and a midfield controller, and that they are already speaking to players on their shortlist.
“A number 10 and a nice number nine, a centre forward, will be good for us. And a number eight, who can control the game. So those are some of the areas we are looking to beef up in January.
“Our condition is good. The intensity level is good. The functions of the players are clear, but that little bit of edge that we are looking for, sometimes it takes new personnel to change that. And that’s an area we are looking at.
“We have shortlisted five number nines. We have spoken to three number 10s, two overseas and one in Jamaica. Hopefully, we will get to fill those areas, and I guarantee you will see a different team in the final third.”
Chapelton Maroons have scored 10 goals and conceded 17 in the league but, should they get the players they seek in January, Duckie said, they will be much better going forward.
“Defensively I think we are doing well. We have given up three goals in the last three games, but sometimes it’s against the run of play.
“Attack is the best form of defence. We are a very attacking team. We play forward a lot but I think our midfield is where we can add a little more quality and, on the finishing end, we are missing that number nine.
“The guys that we have are doing their best, but sometimes it takes just one more player to push the team over the edge, so we can be a little more competitive in the final third. And, as we start adding personnel in January, you will see better decision-making in the final third,” he said.