Western challengers face off

WESTERN JAMAICA is set to ignite today when the ISSA daCosta Cup round-of-16 begins with some intriguing match-ups.

Defending Ben Francis Cup champions St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) will be in a must-see matchup with ‘giant killers’ Kemps Hill High at STETHS Sports Complex at 3:00 p.m.

The Omar ‘Rambo’ Wedderburn-coached STETHS have been in fine form in front of goal even if they started the first round slowly.

Kemps Hill, Group 1 runners-up, on the other hand, started well but only just managed to get into the final 16, using goal difference to get themselves in after a 2-0 win over Frome Technical.

Though it will be a tough task, Kiegon Mitchell, second- year head coach of Kemps Hill, said the team is ready for the challenge.

“We are up to the task and expect a win, but it is difficult at STETHS to beat them. If we don’t win, the next best thing is to share the points in a draw,” said Mitchell.

The Clarendon-based Kemps Hill are a surprise package, showing that they pack a punch with wins over favourites Glenmuir and defending champions Garvey Maceo in the first round.

According to Mitchell, though, the team has had to focus on recovery after playing their last round-of-32 fixture, a rescheduled game, on Monday.

“The STETHS team played Saturday, so they had days to rest, but we weren’t that fortunate because our game that was to be played on Saturday was on Monday. We only had Tuesday to get a little rest,” Mitchell said.

“We will be travelling with those tired legs, so we can’t do training. It’s just for them to rest,” added Mitchell.

Another interesting matchup looms at Cornwall College in Montego Bay with Cornwall College, Group 1 winners, up against Group 4 runners-up Maldon High at 3 p.m.

Maldon will have to dust themselves off for this round, with their last outing on Saturday a 7-1 whipping at the hands of STETHS.

The teams aren’t strangers to each other this season either.

In the two instances they came across each other, Cornwall left the happier team. In one instance, the former champions squeezed out a 1-0 victory but in the other, there was carnage — Cornwall running away 4-1 winners.

Maldon, who created history making it to the round of 16 and are decidedly the underdogs, will need their leading goal scorer, Javaughn Anglin, if they are to have a chance.

But Cornwall don’t seem to be in the mood to be upstaged. On Saturday, for instance, they absolutely steamrolled Cedric Titus 13-1 and could ride that momentum.

Ashley Anguin

TODAY’S MATCHES

Cornwall vs Maldon - Cornwall College

STETHS vs Kemps Hill - STETHS

Glenmuir vs Maggotty - Glenmuir

Dinthill vs Mannings - Dinthill

Christiana vs William Knibb - Manchester High

Ocho Rios vs Old Harbour - Drax Hall

Troy High vs William Knibb - Troy High

Garvey Maceo vs Clarendon - Wembley Excellence Centre

McGrath vs Machester High - Ewarton Sports Complex

All games begin at 3 p.m.*