‘It’s not over’
JC coach wants one more title after Champions Cup success
Published:Sunday | December 11, 2022 | 12:30 AMOrane Buchanan - Staff Reporter
MANNING CUP champions Jamaica College (JC) added to their silverware this season, copping the Champions Cup, their second in the school’s history, after defeating rivals Kingston College (KC) 2-1 inside a rowdy National Stadium last night.
The boys from Old Hope Road opened their account in the 44th minute, thanks to talisman Maquan Aldridge, who hammered home his effort to beat KC custodian Malique Williams at his near post. That lead was doubled six minutes into the second half (51st minute) as the experienced Tarrick Ximines used his speed and power to out-duel the KC backline.
That second goal proved all-important after the lethal left foot of KC’s Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards laced home a 79th-minute free kick.
KC, who had to cope without the services of Samuel Shakes, a noticeable absentee, struggled in the middle of the field as Richards’ chances were few and far between.
Winning coach Davion Ferguson said he was elated with claiming his second title but was mindful that his group has more work to do.
“I’m feeling very elated. I think these boys put in a lot of work, sacrificed a lot, and I think they deserved it. I knew it wouldn’t be an easy game, especially between two giants of schoolboy football in Jamaica,” said Ferguson.
The title-winning coach said, prior to the start of the season, he had placed a lot of pressure on himself to deliver titles.
“Personally, I put a lot of pressure on myself because I really wanted to do well. I think we had a good group, and the disappointment of last season also helped. It spurred us on, because Jamaica College isn’t used to losing. But it’s not over. We have a very hard game coming next Wednesday (Olivier Shield vs Clarendon College).”
SUCCESSFUL SEASON
Raymond Watson, head coach of KC, while disappointed with not winning a trophy, said this season was “very good”.
“I’m very happy for them and I think it was a successful season for them, despite not winning silverware. Coming in, nobody gave us a chance to come out of the group.
“But, at the end, we shouldn’t forget that this Jamaica College team, that KC beat last season, retained most of their players and KC lost 19 players. So, to play against them in a final, I’m very proud of them,” he said.
Coach Watson also believes his team was hurt by the absence of Shakes.
“The noticeable absentee would have been Samuel Shakes, and that showed today and, had he been here, we would have had a lot more quality,” said Watson.