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Reynolds targets survival for Maroons
April 02, 2025
AFTER EARNING a point against Waterhouse on Monday in the Wray and Nephew-sponsored Jamaica Premier League (JPL), Chapelton Maroons head coach Vassell Reynolds is targeting survival for the club entrenched in a fierce relegation battle.
With just six games left in the JPL, Chapelton are one of four clubs who will be looking to avoid the drop from the nation's top flight.
The Clarendon-based Chapelton are 11th in the league standings with 30 points, one clear of the relegation zone, while trailing 10th-place Harbour View by the same margin.
Reynolds said the priority for the team in the final stages of the season will be to avoid defeat.
"We're not there as yet. This one [versus Waterhouse], and the two more to come are going to be very crucial. We go to Dunbeholden on Thursday and then in a few days' time, we're back here against Racing," he explained.
"In a situation like this, we have to take it game by game, and the crucial thing for us is that we're putting points on the board each game."
Keeping Chapelton in the JPL will not be an easy task for Reynolds, who took charge of the club in March after the abrupt resignation of former head coach Jermaine Douglas.
The veteran coach has, however, seen much improvement from the club, who are enjoying a four-game unbeaten streak, which includes wins against Portmore United and Humble Lion.
Reynolds said the quick change in fortune is because of his familiarity with several of the players, as well as the team's swift adjustment to his playing style.
"I think they would have adjusted pretty fast and pretty well. We have some experienced players on the team, mixed with some youngsters. The good thing about it, I have coached a number of those players before, so they understand what I bring to the table," he explained.
"I think they bought into that a little bit quicker than I expected and, over the last couple of games, we would have seen the growth of the team. I'm pretty pleased with the adjustments that have been made by the players."
He said one of these key adjustments has been the positional awareness of each player in the various phases of the game.
"We want each individual to play their role when we're in possession and when we're out of possession; to focus on their role and execute very well. It is for that reason that I always beckon to people to recognise what they're supposed to do whenever."
Reynolds said, however, their fight for survival is far from over, despite their upturn in results.
He warned against increased confidence leading to complacency as their remaining games become increasingly important.
"It's very positive. We would have gone to Portmore and gotten three points there and the confidence went sky high. We have been enjoying training, players are a little bit more composed and a little bit more relaxed," he said.
"But we have to be mindful that we can't sit on our laurels. We cannot be complacent, we have to continue to grow, continue to improve, and continue to put points on the board."
