St. Paul’s FC Crowned 2025 NBGC Premier League Champions

The 2025 NBGC Premier League season reached its thrilling climax on Saturday, September 6th, with S L Horsfords St. Paul’s United facing off against RAMS Village Superstars in the decisive Game 2 of the Best-of-Three Finals. After a captivating season of intense competition, the two teams stood poised to battle for the ultimate prize. The atmosphere at the stadium was electric, filled with the anticipation and excitement of fans from both sides. St. Paul’s entered the game with the advantage, having already secured a victory in Game 1, while Village Superstars carried the weight of needing a win to keep their championship hopes alive. The stage was set for a dramatic showdown that would etch its place in NBGC Premier League history.

The first half of the match unfolded as a tense, tactical affair, with both teams showcasing their defensive prowess. St. Paul’s, knowing a draw would be enough to clinch the title, displayed a measured and controlled approach, prioritizing solidity at the back. Village Superstars, on the other hand, pushed forward in search of the crucial opening goal, but found themselves frustrated by the resolute St. Paul’s defense. Midfield battles were fiercely contested, and chances were few and far between. The halftime whistle blew with the scoreline still locked at 0-0, leaving the championship hanging in the balance.

The second half began with a renewed sense of urgency, particularly from Village Superstars. However, it was St. Paul’s who broke the deadlock in the 55th minute. A well-orchestrated attack culminated in Keithroy Freeman finding the back of the net, igniting celebrations amongst the St. Paul’s faithful and putting them firmly in the driver’s seat. The goal injected further intensity into the match, with Village Superstars throwing caution to the wind in their desperate pursuit of an equalizer. St. Paul’s, however, remained disciplined and organized, effectively absorbing the pressure and creating opportunities on the counter-attack.

As the clock ticked down, the tension reached fever pitch. Village Superstars continued to press forward, but St. Paul’s defense held firm, repelling wave after wave of attacks. In the dying embers of the game, deep into stoppage time, the decisive moment arrived. A St. Paul’s player was brought down inside the box, resulting in a penalty being awarded. Kalonji Clarke stepped up to the spot and calmly converted the penalty in the 90th +12 minute, sealing the 2-0 victory and sparking jubilant scenes of celebration among the St. Paul’s players and fans.

The final whistle confirmed S L Horsfords St. Paul’s United as the undisputed 2025 NBGC Premier League champions. Their disciplined performance, combined with timely goals from Freeman and Clarke, proved enough to overcome a determined Village Superstars side. The championship victory was a testament to their consistency and resilience throughout the season, culminating in a well-deserved triumph on the biggest stage. For Village Superstars, the defeat was undoubtedly a bitter pill to swallow, but their spirited performance throughout the finals showcased their quality and potential for future success.

The match officials, Sanchez Bass, Jaden Rouse, Juniequa Matthew, and Kimbell Ward, overseen by Referee Assessor Kenni Martin and Match Commissioner Siana Leader, ensured the smooth and fair conduct of the game. Throughout the match, several yellow cards were issued, reflecting the intensity and competitiveness of the encounter. Omar Francis of St. Paul’s received a yellow card in the 17th minute, followed by Naeem Gillard of Village Superstars in the 26th minute. Jermaine Powell (Village Superstars) was booked in the 64th minute, while Kalonji Clarke (St. Paul’s) received a yellow card in the 80th minute, just ten minutes before scoring the decisive penalty. Finally, Joseph Wilkes of Village Superstars was booked in the 83rd minute. These cautions served as a testament to the high stakes and passionate nature of the final.