JC, KC in big showdown for Manning Cup

Defending champions Jamaica College (JC) will be seeking a 22nd title while Kingston College (KC) will be targeting a 16th crown when the 2022 ISSA Digicel Manning Cup final kicks off today at the Stadium East field at 3 p.m.

The Manning Cup final is the feature match of a double-header. In the curtain-raiser at 1 p.m., defending champions St Catherine High will face Kingston Technical High in the Walker Cup KO final.

JC produced an excellent display to outclass Charlie Smith 3-0 to secure their spot in the final while KC recorded a hard-fought come-from-behind 4-2 win over St Andrew Technical High School.

The two all-boys schools are meeting in the Manning Cup final for the first time in almost 47 years. In their last meeting in the final in 1975, KC won 1-0. However, that final was a repeat of the 1974 final, which JC won 1-0.

However, in their last meeting in a final, JC defeated KC 2-1 to take the Walker Cup in 2017.

Today’s Manning Cup final is expected to be close as both teams are evenly matched in all departments as the game could go down to penalty kicks.

SECOND CONSECUTIVE FINAL

JC, who have won seven of the last 10 Manning Cup titles, will be making their second consecutive final appearance under head coach Davion Ferguson.

Ferguson said while he is expecting a tough battle with his opponents, he is confident that his team will come out victorious today.

“I am feeling very excited because I think we have prepared ourselves for these moments,” said Ferguson.

“We have to show respect to our opponents, but we don’t fear them and we know exactly what they will bring,” he said.

“At the end of the day, I think we will be successful,” added Ferguson.

The Dark Blues will be led by their inspirational captain and midfielder Duncan McKenzie along with their leading goalscorer Dwight Merrick, who has netted six goals this season.

McKenzie will receive support in midfield from Tarick Ximines, while Zavier Davidson marshals their defence.

KC’s head coach Ludlow Bernard is seeking his second Manning Cup title with the ‘Purples’. He said they are delighted to be in the final and they are expecting a very exciting encounter.

“I am excited about the final because I will be up against my good friend Davion Ferguson,” said Bernard.

“I will also be up against one of my protégés in Tarick Ximines and so it is going to be a very interesting encounter but I think it’s going to be a very good game,” he said.

KC will be relying on Christopher Pearson, Jamone Barclay, Gavin Burton, Devonte Walker, and Jaheem Johnson to lead their charge to victory.