Posted: Friday, April 18, 2025. 12:05 pm CST.
San Pedro Pirates’s Jaheim Mena, blue, shoots against Verdes’ goalkeeper Woodrow West during 2-2 draw at Ambergris Stadium on March 1, 2025 – Photo Credit: San Pedro Pirates/Tom Cawthon
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Football enthusiasts across Belize are eagerly awaiting the grand finale of the Premier League of Belize (PLB), set to kick off this Saturday, 20 April 2025, in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. The highly anticipated clash will see San Pedro Pirates host Verdes FC in a battle for supremacy, with both sides determined to lift the coveted trophy.
San Pedro Pirates’ Road to the Finals
San Pedro Pirates secured their place in the final after a commanding 4-2 victory over Port Layola in the second leg of the semi-finals, sealing a 5-3 aggregate win. Having drawn 1-1 in the opening leg, the island side produced a scintillating display in the return fixture to book their spot in the championship match.
Under the leadership of Ada Cordova, the first woman coach in the PLB, the Pirates have navigated a challenging season to reach the finals. They began their campaign in style, dispatching Wagiya SC 4-1, before suffering setbacks, including a 3-1 defeat to Port Layola and hard-fought draws against Progresso and Verdes. However, their determination shone through in the semi-finals, with Keydenshaay Bowen and Jaheim Mena instrumental in their comeback win.
Verdes’ Desmond Wade against San Pedro’s goalkeeper Selvin Sagastume during 2-2 draw at Ambergris Stadium on March 1, 2025 – Photo Credit: San Pedro Pirates/Tom Cawthon
Verdes FC’s Championship Pedigree
Verdes FC, founded in 1976, are no strangers to success, boasting a decorated history in Belizean football. The club has consistently asserted its dominance, clinching multiple national titles and representing Belize in international competitions.
Throughout the season, Verdes have demonstrated their trademark tactical discipline and formidable experience. With a squad brimming with talent and an insatiable hunger for victory, they will be looking to reaffirm their status as Belize’s premier club by claiming yet another championship title.
They arrived at the PLB Final after convincingly defeating Progresso 4-0 in the second leg of the semi-finals, securing a 5-0 aggregate victory. Verdes started the season on a high note but their 3-1 loss they suffered to Belmopan midway through the campaign deflated them in midair. That stumble momentarily stalled their momentum as they finished the regular season five points behind top-ranked Port Layola.
A key factor in Verdes’ aspirations has been the performances of Desmond Wade and Krisean Lopez, both of whom have been instrumental in guiding the team to the PLB Finals. Their offensive contributions have strengthened Verdes’ campaign and added an extra layer of firepower to their championship ambitions.
San Pedro Pirates’ Keydenshaay Bowen, 9, on the prowl against Verdes goalkeeper Woodrow West during 2-2 draw at Ambergris Stadium on March 1, 2025 – Photo Credit: San Pedro Pirates/Tom Cawthon
The Championship Matches
The first leg of the PLB Finals is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 pm at Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro on Holy Saturday. Fans are expected to flock to the island in large numbers to witness a pulsating encounter between two of Belize’s top football clubs.
With Pirates seeking their second national title and Verdes aiming for their fifth crown since the PLB’s inception in 2012, the stage is set for a captivating final. Prior to 2012, Verdes had also secured a number of national championships
The second and decisive leg of the PLB Finals will take place at Verdes’ home ground, the Edmund Marshalleck Stadium in Benque Viejo del Carmen, on Sunday, 27 April, where the 2025 champions will be crowned.
Who will prevail and take home the title? Football fans won’t want to miss this spectacle as the PLB Final gets underway this Saturday.
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The post Premier League of Belize: San Pedro Pirates, Verdes ready for Finals Match 1 Saturday appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Friday, April 18, 2025. 12:05 pm CST. San Pedro Pirates’s Jaheim Mena, blue, shoots against Verdes’ goalkeeper Woodrow West during 2-2 draw at Ambergris Stadium
The post Premier League of Belize: San Pedro Pirates, Verdes ready for Finals Match 1 Saturday appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.