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‘Bigga’ Thompson relishing Chapelton Maroons challenge
August 13, 2024
Former Premier League stalwart Oneil 'Bigga' Thompson is excited at the challenge to guide promoted Chapelton Maroons as head coach for the upcoming 2024-25 Jamaica Premier League (JPL) football season.
The Maroons have regained their spot in the league following a brief run in their debut season recently.
A sturdy central midfielder during his playing days at several leading clubs in the country, including Boys' Town, Arnett Gardens and Humble Lion, Thompson shared that the club is attracting numerous interest from players around the league and is trusting that he, along with his coaching staff, will make the correct decisions.
"When you have a club returning to the Jamaica Premier League it always attracts a lot of players. As a coach, you tend to rush the decisions based on the time frame, but it's worth the risk, as that's what football is about," he said.
"I'm excited to take on the challenge and, hopefully, I'll be able to execute to the best of Chapelton Maroons' abilities," he stated.
The former two-time champion as captain of Arnett Gardens will be entering his second stint as a head coach at this level, having coached Humble Lion for a brief stint back in the 2019 season.
He said that while there's a vast difference between being a captain and coach, he's excited at what lies ahead for the Clarendon-based team.
"It is of course two different ball games. As a captain or player there's someone who is responsible for things that is being carried out on the pitch. However, as a coach you're the one giving the instructions for players to carry out. It's a different challenge, but I'm excited and once we can put that together then as a team we can achieve great things," Thompson believes.
Chapelton Maroons make their return to the JPL, having spent one season, 2022-23, before being relegated.
Thompson believes the club has learnt from that experience and is better equipped this time around to be more competitive.
There has also been a fair bit of movement with coaches in the league and Thompson believes this could work in the Maroons' favour.
"Of course, you always want to be in the league. It was a learning process for the club and we always look at mistakes and try to correct them. I don't think that will happen this season as we're looking at being at around mid-table or top half. This is a new season for a lot of coaches and it gives clubs like Chapelton Maroons the possibility to capitalise," he added.
The former tough tackling defender shared that the club will be looking to bolster its squad in the transfer market to improve the chance of remaining in the top-tier competition.
"It's crucial as this is the top level in the country. Tier two isn't the same requirements like the premier league so we're aware that we have to try and strengthen areas that will allow us to perform to the best of our abilities," Thompson said.
