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The stage is set for a thrilling climax to the rural schoolboys football season as two former champions, Glenmuir High and St Elizabeth Technical High (STETHS), prepare to square off in the ISSA daCosta Cup final at the National Stadium.
Rural fans will be roaring to life when the high stakes feature double-header, showcases the battle of the ‘CCs’, Cornwall College and Clarendon College in the Ben Francis Knockout competition at 3 p.m.
The must-see daCosta Cup final at 6 p.m., promises to be a showcase of tradition, pride, and high-quality football.
Both Glenmuir, the 2012 champions and STETHS (2015) have gone through a long drought and they will be pulling out all the stops to add another title to their tally.
According to Andrew Peart, coach of Glenmuir, the aim is to analyse the opponents’ style of play early.
“We have to analyse their strengths and find a way how to play our game. Also, we have to nullify as best as possible what threats they will bring to the game,” said Peart, who has been coaching Glenmuir for the past five years.
Tough opponents
Aware of the opponents’ undefeated record, Peart stated that his team needs to put out their very best.
“They (STETHS) are tough opponents and it is a final. They are finding ways to create some havoc for their opponents. It is for us to recognise those things and bring our ‘A’ game,” added Peart.
Glenmuir, who had their backs against the wall in their semi-final match against Dinthill Technical on Wednesday, were able to rally to a 2-1 win courtesy of Orane Watson.
The Clarendon-based Glenmuir look to leading goalscorer Watson with 26 goals and Orel Miller 15, to lift them to the title.
Glenmuir have scored 76 goals and conceded 15 with only two defeats all season.
The last time these two finalists met in the 2024 season Glenmuir whipped STETHS 5-2 in the quarterfinals.
STETHS appear to be stronger this year and are the only unbeaten team in the competition this season. They have scored 63 goals and conceded only six.
The Santa Cruz-based STETHS will need strong displays from Kaieem Lewis, the leading goal-scorer with 26 goals, Deandre Barnett and R-Jay Newman to have a fighting chance.
Omar ‘Rambo’ Wedderburn, coach of STETHS, told The Gleaner that discipline will be a key factor to determine the outcome.
“The main aim today is to remain focused and execute our gameplan. In any championship game, you will expect adversity, so we have to embrace it,” said Wedderburn, who has been the coach at STETHS for 13 years.
“We have been working hard for this moment and it is finally here. The only thing left is to be ready and to go all the way for another title,” added Wedderburn.
In the semi-finals, STETHS squeezed out a 1-0 victory over surprise team Kemps Hill High to advance. Kemps Hill had reached the semi-finals for the first time.
STETHS have won 12 schoolboy football titles; five daCosta Cups, seven Ben Francis and one Olivier Shield.
For Glenmuir, they have 11 schoolboy titles; three daCosta Cups, seven Ben Francis and one Olivier Shield.
Today’s games
3 p.m.: Cornwall College vs Clarendon College
6 p.m.: Glenmuir vs STETHS
Both games will be played at the National Stadium.
English (US) ·