The man they call “The President” can now say he truly runs things.
He didn’t win the LIME Pelican but Mitchum President showed he is a boss on the field of play by copping two individual awards in helping The City to a second David Thompson Memorial Football Classic title.
Adjudged the tournament’s best defender and Most Valuable Player (MVP), the wing-back was recognized for a season-long performance that saw him marshal one of the competition’s better defences as his side scored a 1-0 victory over Christ Church West Central in last Sunday’s final at?Kensington Oval.
“I know my team believes in me so I have to hold my own and try to hold my corner,” reasoned President moments after receiving both awards. “If I do my job then I can go out and help other people do theirs.”
Those just rewards, which also saw him receiving a share of The City’s $30 000 winnings, proved the perfect salvation for a man who had to suffer the heartbreak of losing out on an even bigger payday in the other big out-of-season tournament, the LIME Pelican – at the same venue on Independence Day.
Redemption also became revenge, as President managed to pay back Christ Church West Central midfielder Randy Burrowes, who captained Akademiks to the LIME Pelican triumph over the wing-back’s Fire House outfit.
“I wanted to be the first person to win two of these tournaments but I failed in the final of the LIME Pelican and I said that tonight (Sunday) would be the only chance I have left so I will work hard for it,” President revealed.
Burrowes had looked likely to get the better of President again, as the City struggled to convert countless chances until Enrico Cave finally came through with the winning goal three minutes into stoppage time.
“I was telling myself that somebody was going to do the job for us because I don’t doubt this team,” the MVP said.
“We have heart and we work for each other, so I knew my team would come through for me.”