Mabouya Valley are back-to-back Saint Lucia Football Association Under-12 Boys’ Championship winners, after beating Desruisseaux 2-0 on Saturday at the SLFA Technical Centre in Grande Riviere, Dennery. A brace from Zackin François enabled the Valley boys to go a third season in succession unbeaten in regulation.
Despite fielding only two returning players, Mabouya Valley revailed thanks to François’ second-half double strike. The electric midfielder opened the scoring in the 38th minute, and doubled the advantage six minutes later, rounding the DX custodian, Jerlani Neptune, who was named the competition’s best keeper.
François ended the tournament with eight goals, tying for the Golden Boot with Gros Islet’s Keemany Ferdinand. In his third and final year, François also picked up prizes as the tournament’s best midfielder and MVP. Defender Zaied Willie, like François, a student of Richfond Combined School, repeated as best defender.
In 2024, Mabouya Valley were only beaten by Canaries on penalties in the final. They beat Vieux Fort 3-0 to win in regulation last year, with François scoring the third goal.
Marchand took third place on penalties over Gros Islet, fighting back from a 3-0 halftime deficit to knot matters up at 3-3 when the final whistle was blown. Lionel Hippolyte and Keemany Ferdinand scored for Gros Islet, who were also gifted an own goal by Keegan Joseph.
Marchand fought back in the second half through Jamal Edward, Messiah John, and Keylan St Juste.
The article Mabouya Valley repeat as U12 boys football champs is from St. Lucia Times.