Wilson hails Woodley as Western Tigers end finals drought with Super 16 glory

Western Tigers player/coach Daniel Wilson described the club’s Super 16 championship victory as deeply personal, as the Tigers finally broke their finals curse with a dramatic 1-0 win over Slingerz Football Clube (FC) at the National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
The New Year’s Day triumph, secured by an 89th-minute strike from veteran Kevon Woodley, marked Western Tigers’ first Super 16 title after falling short in their previous two final appearances.
“This title means a lot to me as a player mostly because it’s the third year we came out in the finals, and we didn’t come out successful,” Wilson said following the match. “So this one means a lot to me.”
Wilson, who balances responsibilities both on the field and on the touchline, credited his team’s tactical discipline and physical commitment for neutralising a Slingerz FC side that entered the final unbeaten and heavily favoured.
“As dominant as they were in the league, I think they have weaknesses. Most teams have weaknesses,” Wilson explained. “So we decided to be stronger in our one-on-one battles and try to stifle them in the middle of the park.”

That approach paid dividends, as Western Tigers frustrated Slingerz for long periods, limiting their clear-cut chances and maintaining defensive shape until Woodley produced the decisive moment late in regulation time.
Wilson also reserved high praise for Woodley, who capped a stellar tournament by winning both the Most Valuable Player and Top Goal Scorer awards.
“Yes, he deserves it,” Wilson said of the 39-year-old Trinidad and Tobago striker. “As somebody who comes in year in, year out – this was his second final with Western Tigers. For a 39-year-old showing he can still do it against the younger ones, he deserved it.”
Woodley’s leadership and experience proved invaluable throughout the competition, guiding the Tigers to the title and a top prize of $2 million, while runners-up Slingerz FC earned $1 million.
For Wilson and Western Tigers, the victory represented more than silverware – it was redemption after years of near misses and a statement of growth for the club.
With the Super 16 trophy finally secured, the Tigers now look ahead with renewed confidence, having proven that belief, discipline, and experience can overcome even the strongest opposition.

Series schedule:
First T20I – January 19, UAE
Second T20I – January 21, UAE
Third T20I – January 22, UAE