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Nicholas unimpressed but expects better from Tivoli
November 03, 2023
Christopher Nicholas, coach of reigning Walker Cup champions Tivoli Gardens Comprehensive High, is unimpressed with the standard of play displayed by his charges despite being elated that they have progressed to the quarter-finals of the ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup schoolboy football competition.
Tivoli, in an enthralling battle with Haile Selassie on Wednesday, eked out a 2-1 victory to book their quarter-finals spot after both had battled to a 0-0 draw in the first leg, and Nicholas admitted that they need to improve to achieve their goal of reaching the semi-finals.
"It's just dedication and the desire to go further than we went in the competition last year; however, I'm still not satisfied with where we are right now, but we're heading where we want to be," Nicholas stated.
Tivoli are drawn in Group Two of the quarter-finals with defending and 31-time champions Jamaica College, 22-time winners St George's College, and pre-season favourites Hydel. Group One consists of Kingston College, St Andrew Technical High, Mona and St Catherine High.
According to Nicholas, he is aware of the arduous route they have but is well confident they have the tools to defy the odds and progress.
"I know it's not easy, but we intend to make it to the semi-finals. We are aware of what is required, and we are preparing ourselves both mentally and physically to go for it.
"We know the challenges that lie ahead in facing the defending champions Jamaica College, St George's College and Hydel, and we all know that Tivoli are the underdogs in this group," he said.
Nicholas expects better quality football from Tivoli, as he anticipates playing on fields he believes bring out the best in his players.
"Whenever Tivoli play on a good pitch, you see good football from us. So, I know from now on, we'll be playing on much better surfaces, so I'm expecting good football," Nicholas shared.
Meanwhile, Wednesday's meeting between Haile Selassie and Tivoli was the first time they were squaring off since their nail-biting encounter in last season's Walker Cup final, where Tivoli won 6-5 on penalties.
Nicholas explained that he is familiar with these fixtures, as during his playing days with Tivoli, he faced opponents with the players being knowledgeable about each other, adding spice to the contest.
"These youngsters know each other as both teams are based in the inner city. It's similar to my playing days against teams like Charlie Smith and Norman Manley. You're going to get a fight as both teams will not stop until their last breath, and that's what we saw," he stated.
