Fearless Cumberland tackle mighty KC

Andre Thomas, manager of firsttime second-round entrant Cumberland High School, said his side has nothing to fear when they tackle Kingston College (KC) in the first leg of their second-round contest at the Spanish Town Prison Oval today.

Cumberland, who have emerged as one of the surprise teams in this year’s competition, finished third in Group A behind table toppers St George’s College and runner-up St Andrew Technical.

Thomas, who is a Calabar old boy, told STAR Sports that his team has worked well in their preparations for the tournament and he is very optimistic that they would do well.

“We are extremely confident because once we stick to our game, then we expect everything to go as we expect it,” said Thomas. “We know that KC is a good team, but we are not focusing on them, because football is played on the pitch. It is an all new ball game,” he said. He continued: “We have nothing to fear from KC. As a Calabar a old boy, I never fear The Purples and so we are ready for this matchup,” Thomas said. He added that the school community is very delighted with the team’s success and he suspects everyone will be out in their numbers at the match today. “Everybody is happy because this is the first time we have reached this far in the competition. It is a good feeling and the boys are elated and they are going to give it their best shot,” Thomas said. Cumberland have scored 19 goals, while conceding 11 this season. On the other hand, the Ludlow Bernard-coached KC, who went to the semi-finals last year, are one of the favourites to win this year’s title. The North Street-based institution finished atop Group B with maximum 30 points from 10 matches. They have scored 51 goals, while conceding just once. The encounter is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. and is the first of a double-header as St Jago High is set to battle Holy Trinity High in the second game. Meanwhile, at the Stadium East field, Denham Town oppose Wolmer’s Boys School at 1 p.m. and Camperdown will entertain Excelsior at 3 p.m.