Wilson says 'discipline' will be key for 'Charlie'

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

Kevin 'Pele' Wilson played an integral role in Charlie Smith's last Manning Cup triumph in 1995, when they claimed the senior schoolboy football treble after also notching the Walker Cup and Oliver Shield.

Charlie Smith have made it back to the Manning Cup final for the first time since and will tackle St George's College in today's final at the National Stadium at 4 p.m.

Wilson, who also won National Premier League titles at Arnett Gardens, has taken time out of his own career to impart some of his knowledge to the youngsters who are looking to bring glory to their school and the Arnett Gardens community.

assisting coach

When The Gleaner visited the Charlie Smith grounds, Wilson was seen assisting coach Jerome Waite in putting the team through its paces.

"It is my former school and I am just helping out," Wilson explained. "It (Charlie Smith) is a part of me still, so I have to just come over and give my best and share my knowledge about what I went through."

He added: "Most of the guys are in their last season, so I just have to share my experience and what I went though in my last season and let them know how important it is and what it takes to win."

Wilson was the main striker during his five seasons playing in the Manning Cup. In his final season he managed 26 goals. He, however, did not score in his school's 3-1 victory over Wolmer's Boys' in the Manning Cup final, but got on the scoresheet in the 3-1 win over Cornwall College for the Oliver Shield.

Wilson is anticipating a competitive final against St George's today, and believes Charlie Smith will have to exercise discipline to emerge victorious.

"It is a good bunch of guys, it is just important that they be disciplined and they will get the job done," Wilson stated. "George's is a disciplined school, so we are going to have to be disciplined as well, and be mentally prepared, and they have to listen to what the coach says and follow instructions."

The 35-year-old, who has represented Jamaica at the highest level, has not yet called it quits on his career, but disclosed that when he does, he intends to go into coaching.

"I never started the season with Arnett as I just took time out this season to work with the guys as a lot of them are leaving," Wilson disclosed. "Football is a part of me, so even if I call it quits in the Premier League, I will still play some form of enjoyment football."

He added: "I am thinking about coaching; if I can fit in at the primary or prep school level I will take it from there, but as I am a former student, I would love to give back to Charlie Smith."