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Garvey Maceo to focus on mental preparation
December 16, 2024
THIRD TIME didn't bring any charm for daCosta Cup kingpins Garvey Maceo in the ISSA Olivier Shield title playoff against Kingston College (KC). And Lester Hibbert, their first-year coach and past student of the institution, says with greater mental preparation the title could come their way.
Garvey Maceo were again denied a first Olivier Shield triumph after a 4-3 penalty shoot-out at the St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) Sports Complex on Saturday. The teams had played to a 1-1 finish in regulation time.
In a game that was lacklustre in the initial stages but became quite intense towards the end, Garvey Maceo took the lead in the 65th minute courtesy of Omarian O'Brian. KC drew level in the 84th minute by way of an own goal from Garvey Maceo's Tyreek McKenley, which forced the game into penalties.
"I believe we have to work together and prepare the boys mentally from day one. Talent-wise we can win but with some training sessions on the mind, it can ease it. Yes, they are teenagers but prep their minds to get them relaxed," Hibbert told STAR Sports. "They need to know that when there are a few minutes left if we go behind or in front, how do we rally or push ahead."
What is needed, Hibbert said, is "the willingness to stay calm and manage the game and to recognise the different phases within the game".
The Olivier Shield, long recognised as the symbol of all-island supremacy in schoolboy football prior to the Champions Cup, remains a prized possession decided by a clash between the champions of rural schoolboy football and the urban winners.
Garvey Maceo have had their fair number of chances at winning but history has not been kind to the Clarendon-based school. In the 2021 showdown, it was KC who also silenced them with a 2-0 win, and in 2007, Jamaica College (JC) defeated Garvey Maceo 2-0.
"We want to create history especially being there three times. The history is very important because it would be in our books. As a past student, and the players themselves, we were motivated by that. I believe in the last six minutes nerves and tension got the best of us," Hibbert said.
Continuing, he added: "KC, I don't think they expected us to showcase so much talent. Our school wanted to lift that trophy because that is a dream and we wanted to hold on to it.
"Since recently, the urban area has held on to the title once. We wanted to maintain that dominance that the Clarendon schools have been having over the past years."
Clarendon College won four of the last six playoffs (2023, 2022, 2019, 2018), while KC won in 2021. There was no competition in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.
Saturday's success was KC's 11th. Jamaica College lead the way with 22 Olivier Shield titles.
"Winning for those schools, they are saying they want to continue their legacy and build on their dynasty. KC beating us on Saturday, that 100th year celebration kind of pushed them even more when they were down," Hibbert said.
Vassell Reynolds, the school's head coach, said winning on the occasion of their centenary makes the win more special.
"It means a lot to end in this manner. At least when the 100th year comes in April next year, we will have the trophy in the cabinet," Reynolds said celebrating the win.
"The title indicated the long haul of a long season and combining for such a happy moment. It is a pleasing moment for me, the hard work of the coaching staff and the entire school body, led by our principal Mr Dave Myrie," he continued.
"All the sweat, blood and tears all season, we told them 'just play down to the last minute'. When we conceded, we were concerned but not overly worried because, fitness-wise, it would take us over the top," he added.
Having seen his team losing as a student and now as coach, Hibbert said he is even more motivated to get the job done and wants to continue building their programme, with recruitment.
Hibbert expressed that some of the non-household name schools are making their presence felt.
"Schools like Ocho Rios and McGrath and many other schools are coming now. Coaching has evolved in Jamaica so it's not one school dominating again. What we have to do is get ready for what is at hand. Maybe next time it won't be KC, but it can be an Excelsior, St. Jago or St Catherine as they all did well this season."
The 'Cubans', as Garvey Maceo are affectionately called because their institution was built as a gift to the country by Jamaica's Caribbean neighbours, will now focus on building character and encouraging the players.
Hibbert said the players did well.
"Kudos to the players and their bravery. They represented the parish of Clarendon and the rural area. Seven times fall, seven times rise, I told them to look at these mistakes and don't pressure themselves."
