Baptism of fire for Tru-Juice

Tru-Juice FC head coach Damion Gordon believes his players have the quality and preparation needed to make a positive impression when they begin their historic Jamaica Premier League (JPL) campaign against perennial title contenders Mount Pleasant Football Academy.

Tru-Juice will face a baptism of fire in their JPL debut when they take on Mount Pleasant today at the Bramwell Clarke Sports Complex at 3:30 p.m.

Tru-Juice earned their place in the top flight after lifting the 2025-26 Jamaica Football Championship title.

Gordon, who was appointed head coach in July following the club’s promotion, said preparations have gone well with the full support of the organisation.

He pointed to the recruitment of several players with Jamaica Premier League experience.

“I think it has been tremendous in terms of what we’ve been seeing so far and the support from the club has been very good,” Gordon said.

“The acquisition of players is in line with our philosophy and I think as a group with all this together, I think we will be good this season.”

Tru-Juice secured several key additions during the transfer window, with a number of them arriving from Mount Pleasant.

Alex Marshall, Chevaughn Walsh and Gadail Irving have all made the move from St Ann to Linstead.

Irving had, in fact, transferred to Montego Bay United and is currently on loan from MoBay.

Gordon believes their presence, along with the club’s other acquisitions, will strengthen Tru- Juice’s chances of being competitive in the league.

‘FOR THE COMMUNITY’

Gordon said the club’s upcoming debut is not just a major achievement for the team, but for the community as well.

He believes the season carries special significance for supporters who are eagerly anticipating the club’s arrival on the national stage.

“It’s historic, but you know we are built for it,” he said.

“I think it’s a good thing for the community and I definitely want everyone to be a part of it,” Gordon continued.

“So it’s for us now as a group of players to make them proud and I think we have the material here to do that. Every day we come to training, we try to work on that and we try to improve as a group.”

Also in action across the league, Dunbeholden will host last season’s beaten finalists Cavalier.

Both teams will be seeking a strong start to the season, but for Cavalier today’s match is particularly important as they look to rediscover winning form following a disappointing run in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup.

Tivoli Gardens, now coached by Andrew Price, will begin their campaign at home against recently promoted Humble Lion.

Montego Bay United, who finished fourth last season, will welcome Phoenix Chapelton Maroons to Jarrett Park for their season opener.

Reigning champions Portmore United were scheduled to face Waterhouse today at Ferdi Neita Park, but the match was postponed because of Portmore’s participation in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup.

Portmore will travel to the Dominican Republic to face Cibao FC in their final Group B match in the Caribbean Cup.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com

Today’s games

Tru-Juice vs Mt Pleasant at Bramwell Clarke Sports Complex

Dunbeholden vs Cavalier at Dunbeholden Sports Complex

MoBay United vs Chapelton at Jarrett Park

Tivoli Gardens vs Humble Lion at Edward Seaga Sports Complex

All games begin at 3:30 p.m.*