LODGE PATRIOTS CROWNED 2025/2026 SKNFA DIVISION 1 CHAMPIONS
Basseterre, St. Kitts: 607 Construction Lodge Patriots have been crowned the
2025/2026 SKNFA Division 1 Champions following a dominant 4-0 victory over Rivers of
Living Water at the Atiba Erasto Harris Sports Complex on Friday April 24.
Javern Matthew led the charge with a clinical brace, opening the scoring from the penalty spot in
the 9th minute before doubling his tally in the 30th. Aukel Wilson added goals in the 17th and
49th minutes to complete an emphatic performance and secure the championship title for Lodge
Patriots.
Following the match, Head Coach Eldean Huggins praised the team, supporters, and wider
community for their role in the club’s success.
“It was a long journey, but not only the fellows, not only the team, but look at the fans. And the
stands, you see all the fans, they came out in full support. So this was for the community. I was
just there just to guide, but these guys put in the work, the pain, the effort. They did the hard
work. I must say congrats to the guys, congrats to the fans as well, congrats to the community,”
Huggins said. “We are now Division 1 champions. But, again, the journey continues...we have
more things to do in the Premier League.”
Club President Leon Natta also reflected on the team’s journey and the strategic effort behind
their promotion campaign. “To say that it's a long time coming is probably not even the right
fitting words, but it's very deserving. This journey with this special group of guys started last
October. At a meeting at camp. And we reached out, the players reached out, and everybody had
an objective to take Lodge Patriots, first division team, to the Premier Division,” he disclosed.
And from last October, they showed their commitment, their perseverance, their dedication, and
they stuck with it. Training after training after training.”
Matthew’s standout performance not only secured the title but also confirmed him as the
league’s top scorer, finishing the season with an impressive 24 goals.
OTHER FRIDAY NIGHT RESULTS
In another fixture, Mantab secured a narrow 3-2 victory over Trevor Fraites and Associates
Molineux Pitbulls in St. Peters. Jermaine Carey (20’, 85’) and Trevin Nisbett (25’) gave Mantab
a strong first-half advantage. Molineux responded through Travis Watson (60’) and Keita Jonis
(78’), but Carey’s late strike sealed the win.
Mantab’s Head Coach Shirline Browne said the team approached the match with a focus on
enjoyment and expression. “We just came out to have fun in the game and show the skills that
we have. It was like no hard-fought game. It's our neighbours, so we didn't want to crush them,
really. It's just for the guys to come out and have fun,” Browne said with a smile.
Molineux Coach George “Kinta” Gilbert acknowledged missed opportunities as a key factor in
the result. “Well, we should have made use of our chances early, because chances don't win
matches, goals win matches. And we didn't use our chances early in the game. And because of
that, we allowed the other team to get back into the game. And they punished us,” he said.
SKELEC Garden Hotspurs delivered a commanding 7-0 win over Elco Ltd. Security Forces
United at the Gardens Football Stadium. Caldre Liburd scored a hat-trick, while Brendan Tuckett
added two goals, with Sean Percival and Curtis Sargeant also finding the net.
CIBC Village Galaxy defeated Mother Becky’s Tea/Fast Cash Saddlers United 3-0, courtesy of
goals from Dylon Morton (17’), Akanye Francis (28’), and an own goal by Javier Liburd (78’).
TRINITY/CHALLENGERS AND CONAREE FIREBALLS SHARE POINTS IN
SEASON FINALE
Meanwhile, on Thursday, April 23, KFC Trinity/Challengers United and Conaree Fireballs
International played to a thrilling 3-3 draw at the Gardens Football Stadium.
After falling behind early to goals from Savion Weeks (2’) and Joshua Mills (14’),
Trinity/Challengers mounted a spirited comeback. Despite further goals from Qwaunje Duporte
(49’) and Terrance Wallace (54’) extending Conaree’s lead, Trinity responded through Omari
Morris (38’), Tyrese Terrol Dujon (58’), Kaylon Liburd (75’), and Klvado K. Jeffers (86’) to
earn a share of the points.
Head Coach Orrin Hughes commended his team’s resilience.
“Good comeback in terms of what would have happened in the first half being down two goals to
nil. However, I think players came out a bit complacent thinking that it would be an easy
walkover,” Hughes said.
Reflecting on the season, he added:
“Being in front is always a tricky moment being that if you are not focussed and ready to
compete and take on what you have in terms of keeping it, you lose that momentum.”
Goalkeeper T’narje Buchanan of Conaree Fireballs also shared his assessment.
“We performed decently but we could have done better because we let (Trinity/Challengers)
come back in the game. I think we could have capitalized on some more goals,” he said.
“We came out and played the games just for the fun of it and we could have been doing better...
if we keep the same squad next season, we may do better if we continue training and working
hard,” he added.
This marks the end of the 2025/2026 SKNFA Division 1 season. Lodge Patriots and Garden
Hotspurs have both secured promotion to the SKNFA Premier League.
