Smith wants leading goal-scorer tag, daCosta Cup title

MUNRO COLLEGE’S leading goal scorer Antwone Smith is not satisfied with the spectacular season he is having because he is focused on trying to help lead his team to an ISSA/WATA daCosta Cup title.

The 18-year-old has scored 16 times this season but doesn’t intend to stop. Instead, he told The Gleaner, his aim is to make a name for himself not dissimilar to the way former Clarendon College player Kaheim Dixon has done.

“I am working towards elevating my skills like players like those who played in the league previously and are now playing overseas. Most definitely, I want to do even better than them. Football is my life. I dream about playing it every day. I am that passionate about the sport,” Smith declared.

“I think four years now playing the daCosta Cup, I know I can contribute some skills and help this team win the championship and break the 60-year drought. I want to also be the top goal scorer this season.”

Smith says he began participating in football in primary school before moving to St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) and now Munro College.

“I went to Mount Osborn Primary and played from grade two. My coach at the time was Mr Rowe, and he introduced me to it, so that is why I am here now,playing,” Smith said.

With the zeal to do his best, the hard-working attacker is recovering from a hamstring injury, which he played through during the round of 32 and round of 16.

“Training is going well so far. We train twice per day. The injury probably affected me earlier in the season. Currently, I am getting better, playing more and getting stronger each day. The storm postponing the games has a positive impact. I have more time to prepare for games and a longer recovery time. As for the team, we have more time to train. We can build back as a team and reorganise.”

Winners of Group 2 in the round of 16, now in Group B with Central High, Garvey Maceo, and Ocho Rios in the quarterfinals, Munro seem favourites for a semi-final appearance, but Smith says he will not take any team for granted.

“Game by game, I will just play to my full potential. I wouldn’t say any team, in particular, poses a challenge. I just need to have more confidence in front of the goal, more energy and hunger to score.”

According to Smith, his parents and coach Kemar Ricketts are his biggest motivators.

“Based on my background and the struggles I have to overcome to go hard and step up, my parents motivate me by telling me I can do it. They tell me nobody is special. I have to go out there and make a mark or name for myself. They push me to be more confident in my skills. Also, coach Ricketts always instills in me that self-belief is always the best belief,” Smith said.

The quarterfinals will resume tomorrow, with Munro College hosting first-time qualifiers Ocho Rios at Munro College at 3 p.m.