Come Friday, St. Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) will seek to beat Jamaica College and claim the Manning Cup School boy football title, after narrowly missing out on the trophy in the last three seasons.

In 2017, the men of Bumper Hall made the finals, playing against a powerful Jamaica College, but unfortunately the match ended in a penalty shootout 4-3, with Jamaica College being declared the winner. A year later STATHS was even more confident in making the finals to end their 31 year drought, but sadly, their dreams were crushed when Saint Georges College defeated them 5-nil in their quarter final match. Many fans were quite upset when the underdogs did not make it through to the semifinals.

Fast-forward to this Manning Cup season, and the resilient boys of STATHS began training earlier in the season, which made them more confident. In clearing their way to the final they have defeated Oberlin High, Penwood High, Northern Technical, St. Georges College and Wolmers Boys School.

Last Wednesday was the day of the one the best matches of the season. Fans were out in their numbers to watch the men of Bumper Hall (STATHS) tackle the men of National Heroes Circle (Wolmers Boys School). The match was off to a fine start as STATHS scored first, when Wolmers decided to be a part of the frenzy and scored after. The first half ended 1-1. In the second half both teams were tussling with each other which, led to the match going into a penalty shootout.

In the end STATHS was able to win with four goals while Wolmers scored two. STATHS is now even more confident as they will try to gain their first title in 32 years. As far as I see it, STATHS is in fine shape to be the Manning Cup Champions of 2019. Join STATHS, as they continue to pledge, Honour, Diligence, Service in this year’s Manning Cup final at the National Stadium.

–Kemal Forde