Giant killers, veteran coaches highlight final four

The ISSA daCosta Cup semi-finals roars into action today at Sabina Park with favourites Glenmuir taking on the dangerous Dinthill Technical and giant-killing newcomers attempting to overturn the marauding St Elizabeth Technical High School (STATHS) at Sabina Park.

While both clashes trend towards the monumental, the 4:15 p.m. encounter between STETHS and Kemps Hill promises much interest.

Speaking to The Gleaner, Omar ‘Rambo’ Wedderburn, coach of STETHS, said the team is mentally and physically prepared for the challenge facing familiar opponents.

“Playing against a team for the second time in any competition will be challenging. Obviously, hard, both mentally and physically, but we feel ready for the task at hand,” said Wedderburn, who has been the official coach for 13 years.

In their last encounter in the round of 16, STETHS thumped Kemps Hill 4-0 in a tempestuous affair, with the latter earning two red cards.

Kemps Hill are in unfamiliar territory but are savouring a well-earned reward for a season defined by grit, discipline, and quiet confidence.

STETHS, meanwhile, return to the semi-finals with the pedigree and poise of a team that has been here countless times before.

They have been cruising through each round as the only unbeaten team this season.

The Santa Cruz-based STETHS have 13 schoolboy football titles — the daCosta Cup in 1974, 1999, 2009, 2013, and 2015, six consecutive Ben Francis KO titles in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2024. With last year’s seventh title, they are now tied with Cornwall College.

Though neophytes at this stage, Kemps Hill are no pushovers who could push STETHS, especially given the lingering animosity from their last encounter.

The Clarendon-based Kemps Hill’s spirited run has already reminded fans that this year’s tournament has little interest in predictable scripts.

Kiegon Mitchell, the second-year coach of Kemps Hill, said the boys are motivated for the encounter.

“Preparations going great. The mood around the boys are good. They are excited to play in the semi-final against STETHS, so it should be an exciting game of football,” said Mitchell.

The Glenmuir-Dinthill game begins at 2 p.m. with an interesting clash of coaches.

Andrew Peart, one of the more impressive young coaches over the last few years, faces off against wiley veteran Lenworth ‘Teacher’ Hyde.

Today’s games

Glenmuir vs Dinthill at Sabina Park - 2 p.m.

STETHS vs Kemps Hill at Sabina Park - 4:15 p.m.