The much-anticipated 2026/2027 season of the St. Kitts and Nevis Football Association (SKNFA) Division 1 League officially launched on Thursday, October 8, marking the start of a new campaign for regional amateur and semi-professional football clubs across the country. The opening matchday fixtures unfolded across two dedicated venues, the Atiba Harris Sports Complex in St. Peter’s and the Saddlers Playing Field, delivering a full slate of competitive action through the opening weekend.
The first match of the new season saw Trevor Fraites and Associates Molineux FC secure a confident 2-0 win against Rivers FC. Forward Ronald Williams got his side off to a dream start, finding the back of the net just two minutes into kickoff, and defender Davantoy Carty sealed the three points with a late goal in the 81st minute.
In the second fixture of the day at the Atiba Harris Sports Complex, CIBC Village Galaxy claimed an identical 2-0 result against St. Kitts Concrete Masters Sandy Point FC. After a tense, goalless first half where neither side could break the deadlock, Village Galaxy found their rhythm after the break. Jaheem Charles opened the scoring in the 49th minute, and Renardo Madurie put the result beyond doubt with an 82nd-minute goal, securing maximum points for his side in their first outing of the season.
Following his team’s opening victory, Village Galaxy manager Ashton Davis shared his measured enthusiasm for the squad’s performance. “I would say it was an intense game; I wouldn’t lie. The opponents did put up quite a fight. They played a much better second half than they did in the first half. I think they were a bit off, I don’t know if it’s because it’s the first game… but I saw execution when it comes to what we would have done in practice drills, we would have run, the way you’re supposed to do this, etc.”
Davis also praised the squad’s adaptability after in-game adjustments, noting: “And I love the fact that when subs were made, when Coach Jevon would have made the subs, you saw the integration just happening almost instantaneously. For me, I would say I’m extremely proud of the team. Back to the drawing board again, work to do, see where the strengths are, praise them, see where the weaknesses are, where we can develop.”
For the losing side, Sandy Point FC head coach Jacquan Hazel remained optimistic despite dropping three points, highlighting promising areas for his squad to build on. “I think there’s some positives, but first I have to congratulate the team that we played on the three points, but positives are; I think we played a good first half, we had some good chances I think we should have capitalized on. I think that’s something to do with more training and more finishing,” he explained.
The league’s opening weekend action continued on Friday at the Saddlers Playing Field, where Mantab FC delivered a dominant 4-0 rout of Conaree Fireballs International. The floodgates opened in the first half: Kirae Jarvis broke the deadlock in the 38th minute, and Rawle Benjamin doubled Mantab’s lead just four minutes later. After halftime, Alphonzo Francis extended the advantage to three goals just three minutes into the second period, and Jermaine Carey put the final touch on the win with a goal in the 88th minute.
On Saturday, back at the Atiba Harris Sports Complex, ELCO Ltd Security Forces United earned a convincing 4-1 victory over KFC Trinity/Challengers United. Donyelle Francis led the side with a brace, while Joshua Finch and Shama Walters each added a goal to round out the winners’ scoring. C’Steve Wrensford notched the only goal for Trinity/Challengers United in the losing effort.
The final fixture of the opening round took place Sunday at the Saddlers Playing Field, where Mother Becky’s Tea Saddlers United and Tropical Blossom Hotspring Bath United played out a hard-fought goalless draw, with both sides taking a single point from the encounter. With the first full round of matches now complete, all competing squads are already turning their focus to upcoming fixtures as the 2026/2027 SKNFA Division 1 League season progresses.