This season’s for you, Jahi

Somerset Trojans coach Danvers Seymour Jr has dedicated his side’s rise to the top of the Digicel Premier Division to former player Jahi Simmons, who died in October aged 24.

Trojans go into the weekend’s fixtures, which see the top six battle it out among themselves, off the back of a 2-1 win over Dandy Town and a nine-match unbeaten run in the league. 

Trojans take on third-place North Village at Somerset Cricket Club  Field tomorrow — kick-off 8pm — with Seymour Jr in no doubt the memory of Simmons, who died after complications from a rare congenital stomach defect, has provided both perspective and inspiration for his players.

He told the Bermuda Sun: “To be honest, the goal for the season was just to work hard. I guess the hard work has paid off and this is the proof.

“We dedicate this season to a very valuable player who we lost. We just want to represent Jahi Simmons in a good light.

“He passed away early this season from illness —  that gave the team a good sense of motivation and we dedicate the season to him.”

Seymour Jr played down the idea of Trojans now being favourites to win the division and instead pointed to a need for the club to further develop its players and continue to regain respect among the island’s  football community. 

He said: “There’s no pressure on us — we are just playing for fun. As long as we progress I am happy.

“There is no real high target on winning the league or anything like that as long as we become a team that people respect.

“The last four years has really been one of development for us,” he added. “It’s about pride for the community, for the children, parents and our supporters — to be able to represent their community and be proud of where they’re from. It’s about having some representation for our people.”

This club ethos is something he admits had been lost for a while but Seymour Jr now believes it is ‘starting to come back’.

In his first full season as coach, he has already guided the team to Friendship Trophy glory, beating Hamilton Parish 4-1 at the National Sports Centre in early January.

Trojans are now braced for another battle against North Village as they look to cement their lead at the top of the table.

“We just take every game as it comes,” Seymour Jr said. 

“We approach every game the same, we don’t do anything different in our preparation, there’s no pressure on us. I feel.

“Village are a top team. It’s going to be a hard-fought match. As long as we put in 100 per cent I’ll be pleased with however the chips fall. It’s really been a team effort [so far]. It has changed dramatically through the season so I don’t want to pinpoint any one player. 

“We would like anybody who gets their chance to perform. I’d like to commend the players. We didn’t really feel we would be where we are but it’s not a surprise — the motto is ‘hard work pays off’ and this is the proof of that.”