Howell: Teamwork makes the dream work! Jamaica College clinches 29th Manning Cup title
Jamaica College’s (JC) captain Maliek Howell said that winning his third consecutive ISSA/FLOW Manning Cup title is a sweet feeling as he looks forward to college next year.
Howell led JC to a 5-3 penalty kick shootout victory against St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) at the National Stadium last night. Both teams battled to a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation and extra-time.
JC took the lead when Shaneil Thomas beat STATHS in the 30th minute. However, STATHS equalised in the 41st minute courtesy of a goal by central defender David Smith.
“We were always confident in winning the title again. We are champion and knew what it takes to win. Congrats to my team-mates and coach Coley and his coaching staff,” an elated Howell told Star Sports at game’s end.
“It was a good match, as STATHS defended stoutly. We knew what they wanted to do and countered. It came down to penalty kicks and we were prepared for the moment,” the sixth form student shared.
“This is my third title and it is good to be leaving JC with another Manning Cup title. I am looking forward to going to college in the United States next year,” he added.
“We came into the season and worked hard to be here. We did not listen to what people were saying about us. We believed that as a team it can be done because team work makes the dream work,” he said about pundits who had written off JC chance to win the Manning Cup.
Coach Miguel Coley has never lost the Manning Cup since he moved to the Old Hope Road-based institution from Norman Manley High.
JC will now focus on the Olivier Shield against the daCosta Cup champions in the coming days.