Napoles count on structure, experience, and their captain’s command
Captain Roshanny Narváez is the heart and soul of Napoles FC. Photo Credit: Napoles FC PWLB
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Regular‑season leaders Napoles FC arrive at Saturday’s Premier Women’s League of Belize (PWLB) Final with a squad built on discipline, structure, and a captain who embodies both. At the center of everything they do is Roshanny Narváez, the midfielder who sets their rhythm, organizes their shape, and drives the team’s competitive edge. When Napoles are at their best, it is usually because Narváez is dictating the match.
Her leadership has guided a group that blends national‑team experience, youth talent, and attacking firepower. This is a team that doesn’t rely on one star — it relies on a spine.
Napoles’ strength begins in goal with Dennisa Pineda, the clear and consistent starter who has anchored the team all season with her reliability and command of the box. Behind her is Angelica Lopez, the U16 Belize Girls National Team goalkeeper, gaining valuable experience as she develops within the senior setup.
Their defensive unit — Jaysha Bernardez, Stephanie Barrientos, Jinellie Pott, and Carlene Tillett — has been one of the most disciplined and consistent back lines in the league, giving Napoles the stability that allowed them to finish at the top of the table.
Napoles FC – Photo Credit: Napoles FC PWLB
In midfield, Narváez is surrounded by players who complement her leadership and work rate. Tanya Teul and Loraine Cal have carried most of the load late in the season. Ashley Rodriguez, who stands on the same level as Narváez after both practically grew up together in the FFB’s National Teams process, is more than likely unavailable for the Final after recently undergoing surgery. She missed the Belize Women’s National Team’s World Cup Concacaf Qualifier against Haiti and the last few PWLB matches, forcing Napoles to adjust their midfield rotation and rely even more heavily on Narváez’s influence.
On the wings, Heidi Lopez provides width, pace, and direct attacking pressure, stretching defenses and supporting the frontline with her movement and service.
Up front, Napoles boast one of the most dangerous attacking trios in the PWLB. While they don’t depend on any single player, the goals of Khalydia Velasquez and Jayda Brown have undeniably been the driving force up front. Velasquez, the league’s top scorer, has been relentless all season, combining pace, power, and a striker’s instinct that defenders struggle to contain. Brown, already proven at this level and recently sharpened by her experience in Austria’s top women’s league, brings a higher level of professionalism and attacking awareness. Adding youthful energy is U20 forward Betsy Perez, a rising talent who gives Napoles another option in the final third with her movement and fearlessness.
What makes Napoles particularly compelling heading into the Final is the balance across their roster. They are not a team built around one superstar — they are built around a core of players who have grown through the national‑team system, understand each other’s tendencies, and play with a shared identity. That chemistry is a major reason they finished as regular‑season leaders.
Napoles FC – Photo Credit: Walkiria Ramos
Their season has been defined by consistency. While Sagitun surged late, Napoles were steady from the opening whistle of the campaign. They defended well, controlled midfield battles, and scored in key moments. Even when injuries and absences forced adjustments — including the loss of Rodriguez — the team never lost its structure.
The rivalry with Sagitun adds another layer to Saturday’s showdown. Napoles defeated the champions 2–0 in Independence early in the season, but Sagitun struck back with a 2–1 win at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in the return leg. With each team winning once, the Final becomes the true decider — the match that settles the season.
For Narváez, this Final carries extra weight. With Rodriguez sidelined, Narváez steps into Saturday’s Final not just as captain, but as the lone survivor of a partnership that shaped Napoles’ identity this season.
Still, Napoles enter the Final with belief. With Velasquez in form, Brown bringing European sharpness, Narváez commanding the midfield, and a back line that rarely breaks, they have the structure and firepower to win their first PWLB title.
Saturday, December 20, is their chance to turn belief into history.
PWLB FINAL
Napoles FC 
Sagitun GIRLZ FC One match. One champion.
Saturday, Dec 20
4:00 pm
FFB Stadium, Belmopan
The post PWLB Final: Napoles FC lean on captain Roshanny Narváez and national‑team core in championship quest appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Napoles count on structure, experience, and their captain’s command Captain Roshanny Narváez is the heart and soul of Napoles FC. Photo Credit: Napoles FC PWLB By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Regular‑season leaders Napoles FC arrive at Saturday’s Premier Women’s League of Belize (PWLB) Final with a squad built on discipline, structure, and a captain who embodies
The post PWLB Final: Napoles FC lean on captain Roshanny Narváez and national‑team core in championship quest appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
