No timeline for Fuller’s return
Published:Tuesday | September 2, 2025 | 12:11 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
TIVOLI GARDENS coach Jerome Waite says there is no timeline for the return of inspirational winger Nickalia Fuller, who picked up a knee injury at the end of last season.
Fuller netted 11 goals last season, and was the club’s joint topscorer along with Anthony Nelson. For much of last season, the winger was the team’s inspiration as Tivoli, against the odds, qualified for their second successive play-off quarter-finals.
The 20-year-old, who was stretchered off in the second-leg quarter-final against Montego Bay United, and was seen getting ferried into a car via piggyback with a swollen knee after that game, is still in need of some medical treatment said Waite.
“Presently he has a knee injury, and we are hoping that the heirachy who have to deal with that in the medical field [do so], so he can be back,” Waite commented.
He noted that the injury should not require surgery, but that some medical attention is needed to get the player back up to speed.
“It is serious, but not that serious. But it is something that needs to be dealt with,” he stated.
Meanwhile, after just one point and one goal from two Jamaica Premier League (JPL) matches this season, Waite remains unflustered and said he expects his team to eventually come good, while pointing to their slow start as well last season.
“If you can remember, Tivoli started pretty slow last season. And it is the same thing we are encountering this year also.
“It is a work in progress. Despite us not scoring much goals in the two games we have played, it is only a matter of time before we get our footing right,” he said.
For Tivoli’s first game against Chapelton, which they lost 2-1, Waite had only two players on the bench.
However, for their 0-0 draw against Portmore United on Sunday, the west Kingston team had a full bench, and although Waite is please to be getting players back, he said their fitness level is far below what is required.
“It is a good feeling to have players back, and we expect to see more players. We have one and two on the injury list, and others who need to join up with the team.
“One of the things you will have to manage is the fitness level of your team. Where Tivoli is concerned, we are about 35 per cent (fit) and we are not where we ought to be at this time. But it is a work in progress.”
Despite their early struggles offensively, Waite believes their defence has shown some good signs over the two matches.
“Today (Sunday) we fought stoutly and the goalkeeper [Diego] Haughton did well. The defensive unit has really stood out.
“They have kept their organisation, and one of the pluses has to be the goalkeeper (Haughton) again. He came up big in terms of the opportunities that were created by the opponents,” he added.