Portmore taking ‘one step at a time’ - Austin wants team to build momentum and win title

October 17, 2025

Portmore United FC's head coach Rodolph Austin is feeling a bit confident that his team can win the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) this season, but insists that they will be taking things one step at a time.

Portmore are currently third in the standings with 15 points, the same as second-placed Racing United FC, while Montego Bay United lead the table with 19 points.

Austin, whose team was knocked out by Cavalier in the quarter-finals last season, stated that the focus this year is on maintaining consistency and building confidence as the campaign progresses.

"It is always good to win, but each and every game is different, and, in football, you have to be consistent. I think, when you are consistent, it will come with confidence and everything will fall in place, that winning mentality and all those things fall into place," he explained.

The team last lifted the Premier League trophy in the 2018-2019 season and they are once again targeting silverware this year.

"Portmore is a team that always wins, and so every season we strive to win, but we are just taking it one game at a time," Austin said. "But, you know, when you are former champions you play football to win things, so we are just taking it one step at a time."

On Sunday, Portmore United recorded their fourth win of the season, a convincing 4-2 victory over defending champions Cavalier.

"It is not going bad so far, but I am a bit disappointed with some of the results," Austin said.

"In the last few games, I think we could have finished much better in front of goal, but you know how football goes. I don't think the players tried to miss chances. But, in the last game, they made it up, and we have been working on it, and I think we are getting it at the moment."

The former club stalwart and national captain noted that the first round of the competition is crucial for setting the tone for the rest of the season.

"In the first round, you always try to accumulate as many points as possible and see how the other teams look," he said.

He also praised the balance in his squad, highlighting the blend of young talents and experienced players who have been with the club for several years.

"We have a mixture of youth and experience, and some of the players have been playing in the Premier League since the last time we won the competition. So it is a pretty decent squad that we have this season," he said.

sports@gleanerjm.com

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