A highly anticipated showdown between two football powerhouses will culminate at Couva’s Ato Boldon Stadium on December 10 as Signal Hill Secondary confronts Naparima College in the 2025 Coca-Cola SSFL boys’ national intercol final. The match represents a classic underdog versus champion narrative, with Tobago’s Signal Hill attempting to replicate their 2010 triumph against the same opponents while ending a 15-year trophy drought.
Naparima College enters the final as firm favorites, having recently secured their fifth premier division title since 2014 with a narrow 2-1 victory over Signal Hill just two weeks prior. That November 27 encounter saw Naparima establish an early 2-0 advantage through goals from Sebastian James and prolific Tobago-born striker Riquelme Phillips before weathering a spirited Signal Hill comeback.
Signal Hill coach Downie Marcelle acknowledges the challenge ahead, stating, “We must respect Naparima’s status as the league’s best team, but simultaneously believe in our capabilities. Our players demonstrate exceptional hunger for success in this final.” Marcelle’s squad advanced to the championship match with a hard-fought 1-0 semifinal victory against St Anthony’s College, courtesy of a 76th-minute goal from substitute Siel Mills.
The Tobago team faces potential lineup complications as Mills battles hamstring discomfort that prevented him from training on December 9. Regardless of his availability, Marcelle has prepared tactical adjustments to counter Naparima’s offensive strengths, particularly focusing on containing wingers Jayden Caprietta and Arron Raymond while limiting space for Phillips.
Naparima manager Percy Samlalsingh recognizes the emerging rivalry between the programs, noting, “The previous encounter demonstrated minimal separation between our squads. This final will ultimately be determined by which team commits fewer errors and capitalizes on scoring opportunities.” The southern school seeks their ninth national intercol title and first since 2018, with several Upper Six players including captain Jerrel Cooper, goalkeeper Adriano Baptiste, and midfielders Xarion France and Ryan Radellant aiming to conclude their SSFL careers with championship glory.
This senior final initiates an unprecedented trilogy of championship meetings between the institutions, as they are scheduled to compete in both under-14 and under-16 national finals within the coming week, potentially establishing a new enduring rivalry in secondary schools football.