Central Castries Football’s talisman, Simeon Francis, has made history as the first-ever top-tier Emmanuel Bellas Best Player of the Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League (SPFL), following what can only be described as a fruitful season.
The 22-year-old was instrumental in his team’s second-place finish in the tournament, scoring 10 crucial goals during the league phase. These goals ranged from open-play finishes to penalty spot conversions. More importantly, the midfielder’s link-up play with his teammates contributed to an exceptional team dynamic.
In an exclusive interview with St Lucia Times, Francis expressed his gratitude to his teammates for their support throughout the season.
“It was a great experience. I enjoyed it. But most importantly, I’d like to thank my teammates. Because of them, I ended up winning the MVP, so I have to give a lot of credit to my teammates; it’s not just about me alone,” he said.
“We faced a lot of challenges. We had numerous injuries, and some players had to go abroad during the season. It disrupted us, but we didn’t focus on it too much or let it affect our performance in the games we played.”
The former Ciceron Secondary School student draws inspiration from England and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, a fellow goal-scoring midfielder. Francis has incorporated elements of Bellingham’s game into his own. Having played football since his preschool years, he has risen through the ranks in the local football scene, and a national team call-up seems likely in the near future.
Speaking about the exposure and financial opportunities provided by the SPFL, Francis shared: “I think it’s a great way for young players to improve and showcase their skills and talents, both abroad and locally. It’s a great tournament.
“Getting paid was definitely a positive aspect of the experience. Everyone enjoyed it because, when you’re paid for what you do, it feels better and motivates you to perform even more. I think it’s a good thing for us.”
Looking ahead to next season, Francis hopes his team will go one step further and claim the coveted SPFL Premier League title.
“This upcoming season, I hope we can come out on top and show everyone that we are the best. We came in second last season, so we weren’t the best, but next year, we hope to be the best,” he said.
On his aspirations for the future, Francis’ mindset extends beyond the shores of Saint Lucia. However, his desire for professional footballing experience abroad is not a selfish one. Rather, he views his journey as an opportunity to showcase Saint Lucia’s talent.
“I’d like to go abroad to play football, showcase my talent, get paid, and help bring out the talent in Saint Lucia,” he said. “It’s not just for me. Maybe I can lead the way for others to follow and do the same.”
Francis has a simple piece of advice for those aspiring to follow in his footsteps: “Stay focused, work hard, and always stay dedicated.”
