KC hunts title sweep
KINGSTON COLLEGE (KC) coach Ludlow Bernard says that despite a 1-1 draw against St Andrew Technical High (STATHS) in the Manning Cup competition last Wednesday, the focus remains on a sweep of schoolboy titles this season.
The North Street-based KC are favoured to win their first Manning Cup title in three decades. They last won the title in 1986 and expectations are very high for this year’s team.
KC are in line for another Walker Cup title as they are in the ISSA/FLOW knockout competition final against Jamaica College scheduled for November 26. KC’s last hold on that title was in 2000.
The KC team is also on course for a first hold on the prestigious FLOW Super Cup, which is in its third year. KC will face Wolmer’s in a quarterfinal match today at Sabina Park in Kingston, starting at 7 p.m.
With KC being the only Manning Cup team that can win all four titles at stake, coach Ludlow Bernard admitted that the pressure is mounting.
“The pressure is always going to be there. We have risen to the moment and are unbeaten in 14 games in all competitions this season,” Bernard, who
DISAPPOINTED
The Gleaner is a KC past student, told yesterday.
“We have to be prepared as the team played 14 games in 42 days. We have to keep the players focused as it is down to the starting eleven and about three other players on the bench,” he shared about his squad of young players.
Looking back at the game against STATHS three days ago at Constant Spring Sports Complex, Bernard said he tried some players and was not satisfied with their performances.
“The result against STATHS was disappointing as we used some players who we put in for the first time. However, the regular players showed maturity and we came back and earned a point. I am reliant on some senior players to take us through,” he said.
One of those players is midfielder Rashawn Mackison, who has scored 21 goals in all competitions.
“Rashawn is stretched physically because he has played in all 14 games this season and substituted in six of them,” he pointed out about the midfielder who has done the bulk of the scoring for KC.
Looking to the Super Cup game tonight against Wolmer’s, who they eliminated during the Walker Cup quarter-final, Bernard said: “We expect Wolmer’s to be coming for revenge.”
“The vibe in our camp is high but one of tremendous anxiety among the supporters. They are hungry for success,” he pointed out.