MARC STAMP, STAR Writer

Humble Lion wants to win the Red Stripe Premier League title for the first time to reward the club's chairman, Mike Henry, who has been immensely supportive, according to team coach, Donovan Duckie.

The Clarendon-based outfit became the last team to qualify for semi-finals following a big 5-0 win against Cavalier at Effortville Community Centre in May Pen on Sunday. That feat did not look realistic up to five months ago.

Then, Humble Lion was in the relegation zone. Henry hired Duckie, who replaced Craig Butler and the team rose to finish fourth at the completion of the preliminary stage.

Duckie has done more than he was hired to do. The team now has a good shot at winning the title for the first time in their history.

"The relationship between me and Mike Henry goes way back. We had dialogue over the years with regards to me coaching at the club. However, last December with the team in danger, I accepted the job," Duckie told STAR Sports yesterday.

"We want to win the title for him (Henry). He is passionate about the sport and has given full support to the team. He has done his best, and it would be fitting that we win the title to thank the chairman."

"We also have players at the club that have been through a lot in the past five years. They have a chance for glory," he disclosed.

Humble Lion has a formidable line-up and brought in several top local talents who won the title at other clubs.

Ricardo Cousins, Andrew Vanzie, Devon Hodges, and Francois Swaby, among others, made a big difference.

"It is very difficult to manage the egos because we have players from all walks of life. I saw it as very important to get them to gel as one team. That is the main reason the team is in the best form," Duckie admitted.

Humble Lion will tackle preliminary-stage winners Arnett Gardens in a two-way semi-final.

"The first game is always important in a two-way tie. I think Arnett is the best team in terms of talent and depth, but we are the form team. We understand how dangerous they are, especially at home (but), are aiming to impose our style," Duckie said.

In three meetings this season, both teams have won a game each at their respective homes. The other match ended in a draw.

Duckie also lauded team supporters.

"The (fan) support has been tremendous. For a long time, schoolboy football in (Clarendon) had been dominant. Since the departure of Hazard (now Portmore United) from the parish, it is the first time that a Clarendon team has gotten this support.

"The support of the team has seen a fall in violence, and that is very good. The fans have been very supportive."