Enticing derby battle for Manning Cup today

A fierce and exciting battle is expected today when North Street rivals St George's College and Kingston College (KC) clash in the final of ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup competition at the National Stadium at 6 p.m.

Both teams will enter today's final with unbeaten records in the Manning Cup, and they are very confident of victory.

St George's, who are seeking their 23rd lien on the title, will enter the contest oozing with confidence, having defeated dethroned champions Jamaica College 2-1 in the semi-final last Tuesday.

Neville 'Bertis' Bell, coach of St George's College, said he is looking forward to a very competitive final.

"They have been hungry for 32-years, I actually came back to Jamaica in 1986 and actually it was my first Manning Cup final and they have had good teams over the years," said Bell.

"I have said this a million times, to be the best, you have to beat the best, so we knew that if we wanted to win anything this year, we have to play against some high-quality teams and we have so far. Thank God Cornwall College is the only team to have beaten us, so we will be alright for this final," he said.

Inspirational captain

St George's will be led by their inspirational captain and midfielder Cheva Denton, and central defender Leacroft Lettman.

Damani Harris, Emelio Rousseau and Chantomoi Taylor will lead their attack, while Nathaniel Campbell and Jaheim Brown will provide support in the midfield.

The Ludlow Bernard-coached KC secured their spot in the final with a 2-1 win over St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS).

KC, who are seeking their 15th hold on the title, last won the title in 1986, and, according to Bernard, they are very determined to break that drought this year.

"We expect on the day that probably a little nerves may come into play, but that is expected because if you are not nervous, you are not serious. Once the game gets going, then it is Kingston College, and we are going to be there," said Bernard.

"These guys are mentally tough and they are very excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. There is no negativity in the camp and they seem to be exercising a great togetherness, which, of course, will be executed on the day, so we are expecting great things from them," he said.

The Purples will be led by the Ugandan star player Ari Rodgers, Oneeko Allen, and Treyvon Reid, who have both netted 10 and nine goals, respectively.

They are expected to receive strong support from Shaquille Smith, Dwayne Atkinson, Renato Campbell, and Ronaldo Robinson.