Tanya Lee | All to play for in ISSA Champions Cup

The Inter-secondary Schools Association (ISSA) schoolboy football season heats up as the all-island knockout competition returns today under a new name, the ISSA Champions Cup.

It's do or die, win or go home mode for the 16 quarter-final teams from the Manning and daCosta cups who are locked in heated battle from November 2 to November 24 for a hold on the fifth-all island knockout title and a prize purse of $1 million.

The anticipation is unmistakable and the match-ups are mouth-watering. See below my predictions for who advance to the quarter-finals of the ISSA Champions Cup.

Kingston College vs STETHS

This is a rematch of last season's Champions Cup final and is probably the most anticipated encounter of the round-of-16 match-ups. Defending champions Kingston College will face an impressive St Elizabeth Technical (STETHS) outfit that is led by the daCosta Cup's top marksman, Ronaldo Webster. At the launch, Webster smiled confidently when asked by a fan to get two past Kingston College in this encounter. He likely means business!

But I suspect KC's top man, Oneeko Allen, will have something to say about that on the pitch as he left Munro College in a quest for silverware but is once again faced with the task of putting away a familiar arch-rival. With everything at stake, both teams will likely bring their 'A' game. I give the nod to Kingston College, who should benefit from being close to home at Sabina Park, while STETHS may be daunted by the sea of purple from the stands.

St George's vs Garvey Maceo

This one is the battle of the coaches as Neville 'Bertis' Bell faces an astute Merron Gordon. Both play the passing game quite well and are evenly matched, so it remains to be seen who wants it more and who delivers on match day. The difference is likely the 12th man in the stands as St George's College, like KC, are so close to home at Sabina Park.

Clarendon College vs Charlie Smith

Clarendon College are once again favoured to win the daCosta Cup this season with goals aplenty, clean sheets, and great focus and preparation thanks to coach Lenny Hyde. Even with top striker Nique Daley absent due to national Under-20 duties, Clarendon College are likely to still see fireworks from the likes of their top strikers, including Lamar Walker.

Charlie Smith have been inconsistent this season and will likely miss coach Jerome Waite, who is also on National Under-20 duties. Waite singlehandedly accounts for the brilliant display of this Charlie Smith team, who display lapses in concentration even with Waite at the touchline. I suspect his absence will be felt. Clarendon College will likely advance.

Wolmer's Boys vs Cornwall College

When this fixture was announced, the ISSA president, Cornwall College old boy and Wolmer's principal Walton Small held his head in disbelief. This is likely because former champions Wolmer's have not looked particularly impressive this season, while Cornwall College have been superb. With Catherine Hall, the venue for this fixture, Cornwall College will have throngs of support. This looks to be a one-sided affair. Cornwall will advance.

Dinthill vs Holy Trinity

Dinthill Technical have been a delight to watch this season, and they play beautiful, quick and free-flowing football, while Holy Trinity have struggled, albeit to quality opponents like STATHS and Jamaica College. I give Dinthill the nod in this encounter.

Mile Gully vs Jamaica College

Jamaica College are under pressure here as they face possibly the fittest team in this year's competition. Mile Gully broke hearts earlier this season when they sent defending daCosta Cup champions Rusea's packing. Meanwhile, JC's new head coach, Andrew Peart, has big shoes to fill this season and has so far lived up to expectations. JC have a tough task ahead, but if anybody's up for it, it's the experienced Navy Blues of Old Hope Road. It's marginal, but JC wins.

In the other encounters, I expect STATHS to put away Manchester High, and while Frome has home advantage, I suspect Camperdown will advance. May the best teams win.

One Love.

- Tanya Lee is a Caribbean sports marketer, author, and publicist. Follow her @tanyattlee on Instagram.