DONOVAN Duckie retains a soft spot for Sporting Central Academy, but the Humble Lion coach said only one thing will be on his mind when he leads his current team into battle against their parish rivals — victory.

The sides clash at the Effortville Community Centre in a hugely important Red Stripe Premier League third-round fixture, with Humble Lion looking to secure a semi-final berth and Sporting Central hoping to stave-off relegation.

But Duckie, despite having two separate spells in charge of Sporting, said sentiments have no place in tonight’s game.

“Because of the psychological connections, it’s always difficult to play against them,” said Duckie. “There’s that link with the players and you also have that respect between both sets of fans. And, as Clarendon teams, it’s important that both of us stay in the league.

“But,” he added, “we have a job to do. We have to play the game to win because we have set certain targets, and that is where our focus is.”

Apart from Duckie, assistant coach Linval ‘Pala’ Wilson and no fewer than seven Humble Lion players are also former Sporting Central employees. Three of them – Francois Swaby, Gregory Lewis and Kevon Reid – will be facing their ex-teammates for the first time, having swapped the south-west for central Clarendon in the January transfer window.

However, Duckie expects the trio to overcome the emotional aspect of the game.

“The first time I played against Sporting it was very difficult for me emotionally, so I know how they will feel,” said Duckie. “But, saying that, we are all professionals. And I can tell you that they are ready.”

— Oshane Tobias