Garvey Maceo’s leaders hope to guide championship bid
Published:Wednesday | January 12, 2022 | 12:13 AMKavarly Arnold/Gleaner Writer
Western Bureau:
GARVEY MACEO High School’s stalwarts, Cleo Clarke and Gregory Cousins, who came into the season on the back of successful stints in the recent Jamaica Premier League (JPL) are looking to translate their experience, leadership and talent to their school’s second hold on the Inter-Secondary School Sports Association (ISSA) daCosta Cup and more.
The Clarendon-based school, which won both the Under-14 and Under-16 all-island titles in 2019, faces a tough semi-final test today against parish rivals and defending daCosta Cup champions Clarendon College.
Clarke, who led his team to Garvey Maceo’s hold on the ISSA Under-14 football title in 2019, said while it is not the same level, the entire team knows what it takes to win a competition. The 16-year-old admits to harbouring dreams of lifting the daCosta Cup and Olivier Shield, three months after lifting the JPL title with Cavaliers.
“We won the Under-16 and -14 in 2019 and want to win something this year also. We are looking forward to winning the daCosta Cup and even the Olivier Shield if possible. It would be good for me to win the Premier League and daCosta Cup in the same year (season),” Clarke said.
WORK HARD
“Most of us know how to win already, so we just have to work hard. We know it won’t be easy, so we have to train hard and come out on the field and execute,” he added.
Cousins, who plies his trade in the JPL for Vere United, relishes the responsibility of leading the team. Vere United were knocked out at the quarter-finals stage of the play-offs after finishing fifth in the regular season standings.
“It is very important for us to lead from the front because everyone looks up to us. We have been playing well so far and we just have to continue to build on those performances going forward,” said the 18-year-old Cousins.
“It can be hard at times, especially younger players that don’t understand the levels. We understand still because we were young too. We keep each other motivated and when the youngsters are lost in games, we keep pushing and pushing them,” he added.
Coach Merron Gordon said they are focused on winning the title and, while he doesn’t to put pressure on his talismanic players, admits their experience and leadership is key.
“Their leadership is invaluable, Clarke was the captain of the Under-14 winning team and Cousins led the Under-16 winning team (in 2019). They bring a lot of experience to our team from the Premier League. Winning a title would be great for these boys and the school.”