Basseterre, St. Kitts u2013 April 24, 2026 u2014 607 Construction Lodge Patriots have been crowned the 2025/2026 SKNFA Division 1 Champions following a dominant 4-0 victory over Rivers of Living Water at the Atiba Erasto Harris Sports Complex on Friday April 24.
Javern Matthew led the charge with a clinical brace, opening the scoring from the penalty spot in the 9th minute before doubling his tally in the 30th. Aukel Wilson added goals in the 17th and 49th minutes to complete an emphatic performance and secure the championship title for Lodge Patriots.
Following the match, Head Coach Eldean Huggins praised the team, supporters, and wider community for their role in the clubu2019s success. u201cIt was a long journey, but not only the fellows, not only the team, but look at the fans. And the stands, you see all the fans, they came out in full support. So this was for the community. I was just there just to guide, but these guys put in the work, the pain, the effort. They did the hard work. I must say congrats to the guys, congrats to the fans as well, congrats to the community,u201d Huggins said. u201cWe are now Division 1 champions. But, again, the journey continues…we have more things to do in the Premier League.u201d
Club President Leon Natta also reflected on the teamu2019s journey and the strategic effort behind their promotion campaign. u201cTo say that itu2019s a long time coming is probably not even the right fitting words, but itu2019s very deserving. This journey with this special group of guys started last October. At a meeting at camp. And we reached out, the players reached out, and everybody had an objective to take Lodge Patriots, first division team, to the Premier Division,u201d he disclosed. u201cAnd from last October, they showed their commitment. Training after training after training.u201d
Matthewu2019s standout performance not only secured the title but also confirmed him as the leagueu2019s top scorer, finishing the season with an impressive 24 goals.
Other Friday Night Results
SKELEC Garden Hotspurs delivered a commanding 7-0 win over Elco Ltd. Security Forces United at the Gardens Football Stadium. Caldre Liburd scored a hat-trick, while Brendan Tuckett added two goals, with Sean Percival and Curtis Sargeant also finding the net.
CIBC Village Galaxy defeated Mother Beckyu2019s Tea/Fast Cash Saddlers United 3-0, courtesy of goals from Dylon Morton (17u2019), Akanye Francis (28u2019), and an own goal by Javier Liburd (78u2019).
In another fixture, Mantab secured a narrow 3-2 victory over Trevor Fraites and Associates Molineux Pitbulls in St. Peters. Jermaine Carey (20u2019, 85u2019) and Trevin Nisbett (25u2019) gave Mantab a strong first-half advantage. Molineux responded through Travis Watson (60u2019) and Keita Jonis (78u2019), but Careyu2019s late strike sealed the win.
Mantabu2019s Head Coach Shirline Browne said the team approached the match with a focus on enjoyment and expression. u201cWe just came out to have fun in the game and show the skills that we have. Itu2019s just for the guys to come out and have fun.u201d
Molineux Coach George u201cKintau201d Gilbert acknowledged missed opportunities as a key factor in the result. u201cWell, we should have made use of our chances early, because chances donu2019t win matches, goals win matches. And we didnu2019t use our chances early in the game. And because of that, we allowed the other team to get back into the game. And they punished us,u201d he said.
Trinity/Challengers and Conaree Fireballs Share Points in Season Finale
Meanwhile, on Thursday, April 23, KFC Trinity/Challengers United and Conaree Fireballs International played to a thrilling 3-3 draw at the Gardens Football Stadium.
After falling behind early to goals from Savion Weeks (2u2019) and Joshua Mills (14u2019), Trinity/Challengers mounted a spirited comeback. Despite further goals from Qwaunje Duporte (49u2019) and Terrance Wallace (54u2019) extending Conareeu2019s lead, Trinity responded through Omari Morris (38u2019), Tyrese Terrol Dujon (58u2019), Kaylon Liburd (75u2019), and Klvado K. Jeffers (86u2019) to earn a share of the points.
Head Coach Orrin Hughes reflecting on the season, said u201cBeing in front is always a tricky moment being that if you are not focussed and ready to compete and take on what you have in terms of keeping it, you lose that momentum.u201d
Goalkeeper Tu2019narje Buchanan of Conaree Fireballs also shared his assessment. u201cWe performed decently but we could have done better because we let (Trinity/Challengers) come back in the game.
u201cWe came out and played the games just for the fun of it and we could have been doing better… if we keep the same squad next season, we may do better if we continue training and working hard,u201d he added.
This marks the end of the 2025/2026 SKNFA Division 1 season. Lodge Patriots and Garden Hotspurs have both secured promotion to the SKNFA Premier League.