Super Cup runneth over at St George’s
Chants of STGC! STGC! STGC! filled the St George’s College auditorium following the unveiling of the Italian-designed FLOW Super Cup, when quad-play telecommunications provider Flow visited the North Street-based institution yesterday.
But while the Neville ‘Bertis’ Bell-conditioned team will have their sights set on the lucrative title, they first have to settle business in Group C of the ISSA/Flow Manning Cup to stand a chance of participating in the knockout competition.
St George’s College were scheduled to contest a crucial Group C match against Eltham yesterday, and the ‘Light Blues’ were brimming with confidence when the promotional tour visited yesterday morning.
The campaign is being used as a build-up to the second staging of the lucrative tournament scheduled for October 24 to November 14, which will feature the top-eight teams from the Manning Cup and another eight from the daCosta Cup competition.
STGC made it past the first round of competition last year, but failed to navigate by a stern Wolmer’s Boys at the quarter-final round and were sent packing after a disappointing 0-3 scoreline.
Shevon Stewart, captain of STGC, pointed out that a close-up view of the 24-lb cup, which resembles the UEFA Champions League trophy, will be added motivation going forward.
“It is a fantastic experience having the trophy here, while we are in a slightly tough position. We have a game today (yesterday), and this is just a great motivation for us to go out there and deliver and hope for the best afterwards,” he told the Jamaica Observer.
“Over the years St George’s have been a very confident bunch; every time we go out there we play confident and we always deliver. Sometimes we just come up short and we just have to do what we have to do if we are going to be in the Super Cup,” he added.
The wily attacking-midfielder explained that being favoured to win a few titles this year, has not been a burden to the well-rounded unit. He, however, admitted that the team’s outlook is to be consistent and positive in their hunt for all four titles.
“It (favourite tag) has not been a burden because over the years St George’s has been known to produce great football teams. So we just know that every year we come, we are faced with the same task to go out there and try to win the Manning Cup and all other cups that are there,” Stewart noted.
Striker Alex Marshall has been talismanic in leading the team’s goal-scoring, and despite his individual flair, he remains modest that it will take a team effort to get the job done.
“I would like a chance to play for that trophy because it looks like the Champions League trophy. But as you know, it is not a one-man team, so it will take a collective effort to get the job done.
Meanwhile, Gregory Messam Jr, who also shares striking duties, explained that the team upped the tempo in training to strengthen a few weak areas.
“As a senior player, it is just to really make sure that the team comes first. Individual ability is good, but we just need to come together to win the titles. The plan is to work on our weaknesses (as) we are not fully together as a unit just yet, but we are getting there, and once we get certain things right, we will be good going forward,” he said.
Meanwhile, Stephen Miller, Sponsorship Manager of FLOW, welcomed the feedback from the tour thus far.
“It was an anxious atmosphere here at St George’s College (as) everybody seems to be on pins and needles because they are at risk of not qualifying for the Super Cup. So the excitement is there and the eagerness to be a part of the Super Cup, so they are hoping their team will come through and deliver,” he reasoned.
The second staging of the lucrative $2.5 million ISSA/FLOW Super Cup will have matches at three venues across the island — Sabina Park and National Stadium in Kingston and the Montego Bay Sports Complex.
The winners will walk away with $1 million as they did last year, but there would be more incentives for teams taking part this season.
In addition to the full kits, including football boots this year, each team will get $25,000 for taking part in the first round; teams advancing to the quarter-finals will get an additional $50,000, while
the four semi-finalists will each earn another $100,000. The two finalists will get $200,000 with the winner getting an additional $625,000, which will add up to the million-dollar prize and a brand new trophy.
This year the losing semi-finalists will share $275,000 between them, while the leading scorer will receive a $100,000 scholarship. The draw for the first round will be held on Thursday, October 22, with the competition kicking off two days later with triple headers in Montego Bay and Kingston.
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Chelsea Williams showcases her football skills during the entertainment segment.
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Stephen Miller (right), Sponsorship Manager of FLOW join principal of St George’s College Margaret Campbell and members of the team in indicating their intended position during the FLOW Super Cup tour at North Street yesterday.
(PHOTOS: LEO HUDSON)
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A wide view of the St George’s College auditorium during the FLOW Super Cup tour.
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These St George’s College students show off their dance moves.
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St George’s College captain Shevon Stewart shares a selfie with Chelsea Williams (centre) and Rosan Samuels.
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Members of the St George’s College team are attentive as coach Neville ‘Bertis’ Bell leads a team talk.
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Members of St George’s College seek divine intervention at Winchester Park.