In a match featuring a who’s who of Saint Lucian and Caribbean football, it was a Venus Cherry penalty that decided the second annual Baba, Stern & Friends Charity match. But the real winners on October 18 were three children’s organisations, to which the former footballers donated $6 000.
Playing for the first time at the Gros Islet venue which bears his name, Francis Baba Lastic led a team that included Saint Lucia stars Titus Titi Elva, Earl Ball Hog Jean, Kenwin Dinks McPhee, Elijah Joseph, Sean Kirton, and Alvin Xavier, among others. Stern John’s squad comprised the likes of ex Trinidad and Tobago teammate Brent Sancho, Barbados goalkeeper Omari Eastmond, St Vincent and the Grenadines midfielder Kendall Velox, Saint Lucia national captain Zaine Pierre, and Minister for Youth and Sports Kenson Casimir.
John is the all-time leading scorer in Concacaf football, and current Saint Lucia men’s national team head coach. Lastic, who played professionally in Trinidad and Tobago, as well as with the Saint Lucia national team, is now John’s assistant coach.
The two played the first of three 30-minute periods before coming off the pitch. At the end of the second period, Baba & Friends were given a penalty, which Dr Cherry shot past Eastmond for the only score of the game. Xavier, who anchored the defense for Baba & Friends, was named most valuable player.
During one of the intervals, Lastic and John presented cheques for $2 000 each to the Holy Family Children’s Home, Gros Islet Early Childhood Development Centre, and Bridgette’s Preschool, all of which are based in the Gros Islet community to which Lastic is a native.
An Under-13 fixture, between Monchy United FC and Valley Soccer Academy, preceded the veteran’s game. Monchy United emerged 3-2 winners, and they were handed gift bags from sponsors KFC.
