STATHS look to turn near-misses into Manning Cup glory

Head coach of St Andrew Technical High School’s (STATHS) football programme, Philip Williams, is hoping that his team can finally go all the way this time around in the ISSA Manning Cup after going close several times in recent years.

Since taking over the reins of the school’s football programme in 2017, Williams has yet to win a senior title, despite reaching three Manning Cup finals and one Walker Cup. On all four occasions, Jamaica College have been his stumbling block, as the Old Hope Road-based school defeated him each time.

After finishing second in their group recently in the round of 16, STATHS have advanced to the quarterfinals where they will face Calabar High, Eltham High, and Vauxhall High. Today, in their opening match, they will go up against Eltham at the Spanish Town Prison Oval at 3 p.m. as they begin another bid for their first title.

Having lost to Jamaica College in three finals, the most recent in 2019, there is a strong chance the teams could meet again in either the semifinals or the final, depending on the results of the quarterfinals.

When asked if his team fears facing Jamaica College, Williams was firm in his response. “The focus for us is on our own performance, and we are always up to any challenge. We do not focus on any one team.

“We do not consider Jamaica College a jinx team for us as we relish playing opponents with strong programmes.”

Despite losing their final round of 16 match to Wolmer’s Boys’, Williams remains confident about going all the way and is hoping for continued strong support from his fans.

“In our final game, we had already qualified for the quarterfinal round, so we don’t put anything on that loss. Credit to Wolmer’s – they played a good game,” he said, after watching his team taste defeat for the first time this season.

Williams called on the school’s fans to rally behind the team.

“Our fans have been very supportive over the years and we want them to continue. We want to see them in their numbers from the quarterfinal round and not wait until the final as the boys need the support from here,” said Williams, who is hoping to finally secure a senior title to add to his two under-16 championships won in 2022 and 2024.