Tou Rouge reign supreme in PM’s Football Cup

Tou Rouge are the champions of the Prime Minister’s Knockout Cup after beating Pavee 4–2 on penalties on Saturday night, sealing the title in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Marchand Grounds.

In the curtain‑raiser, Central Castries thrashed Marchand 4–0, with goals from Irvin Peter, Tevohn Edward, Tayshawn Paul and Jayden William.

Bagatelle walked away with third place by forfeit after Arundell failed to report for the playoff fixture.

The two finalists battled for ascendancy in the first half. Tou Rouge had the better of the set-piece opportunities, but many of them were thwarted by Pavee keeper Ronic “Popeye” James.

Meanwhile, Pavee attempted to counter through deep deliveries from their ball-playing defenders, but couldn’t capitalise in the final third.

The second period was more intense, with crunching tackles from both teams. The referee allowed the game to flow and handed out few cards. Inclement weather only made the encounter more intense.

With the match still at a stalemate at the end of 90 minutes, the fixture went straight to penalties. Tou Rouge held their nerve during the dramatic shoot-out and secured victory, much to the delight of their supporters.

Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, who was present at the match venue, emphasised the importance of events like these for his constituents.

“First of all, we have to end the stigmatisation of the constituency,” he said. ”Look, you have to understand that the people who live here have the same aspirations as other people. And we have to stop stigmatising them. We have to stop making them believe that they are lesser mortals. And sport gives them self-confidence, it instils discipline in them and gives them a sense of camaraderie.”