Uphill task for Manning’s in today’s daCosta semis

WESTERN BUREAU:

Clarendon College are being touted as the best schoolboy football team across the island but coach Lenworth Hyde says all their focus is on today's ISSA/Digicel daCosta Cup semi-final against The Manning's School at the STETHS Sports Complex in Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth. Kick-off for what will be the second game of a double-header is 4 p.m.

"We want to try and get back that trophy. It's a tough game against the Manning's team so we have to be very vigilant and disciplined out there. We are looking forward to the challenge as we aim to get back into the final," Hyde said.

"We have to manage the players, keep them grounded and focused. They know the challenge we are up against. The players are confident so it's just to not let their minds stray. We just have to be humble, go out and then put in the hard work," he added.

Clarendon are coming into the game in top form with seven wins on the bounce since the second round with their only drawn result of the season dating back to the first round. Their last win saw them being the only rural team to advance to the semi-finals of the Champions Cup. They are the holders of the trophy.

Everton Tomlinson, the coach of Manning's, admitted it will be an uphill task for them in today's semi-finals.However, he is confident they can topple what appears to be the best schoolboy team in the country right now if they get things right.

"There is no doubt that Clarendon are playing the best football in the competition but we have to work hard. We can play very good football if we hit the right buttons on the day and at the right time. I am hoping that we will be able to do that in this game despite coming off two consecutive losses," Tomlinson said.

"We have to get them focused and determined with a belief in their abilities. Once we can get over that and maintain our spirits for the 90 minutes that's our opportunity. I am confident if we get it right we will be victorious," he added.

In the early kick-off at 2 p.m., Manchester High School, looking to get back to the final for the first time since 2009 will battle first-time semi-finalists Central High School.