Waterford driven by ‘Fish Head’ success
Published:Sunday | October 9, 2022 | 12:10 AMDaniel Wheeler - Staff Reporter
HE MAY have the most unusual of nickname but Raniel Stephenson, better known as ‘Fish Head’ to his teammates, doesn’t mind the moniker, preferring instead to focus on being part of Waterford High’s push for second-round qualification in the ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup.
In Stephenson’s first season in the Manning Cup, he has scored eight goals for his school, including one in their 2-2 draw with Calabar High on Friday in their Group A encounter. That draw puts Waterford third with 11 points with four games to go.
Stephenson’s 68th-minute strike was thought to have been enough for Waterford to steal three points but was undone by an 88th-minute equaliser from Shaquan Campbell.
The backstory into Stephenson’s nickname wasn’t elaborate or with a hidden meaning, but in his various interactions with his teammates, the name stuck, Stephenson told The Sunday Gleaner.
So well has the nickname caught on that the number seven with Fish Head is now being displayed at games.
Fish Head’s debut season has been a great introduction to the demands of the Manning Cup tournament and he has quickly become the focal point of the team’s bid for motivation.
“It has been delightful because I have been scoring goals and helping the team in any way that I can,” Stephenson said.
“(But) coming from behind trying to win the game that has been the hardest part (so far this season).”
What has kept things together for him has been the camaraderie that the team has shown in their return to schoolboy football this year after sitting out the 2021 season.
Waterford counted among the schools that did not take part last year because of complications caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Already this season, Waterford created one of the biggest upsets when they defeating many-time champions St George’s College 3-2 last month.
The name Fish Head is just a part of creating a vibrant culture in the team, as well as strengthening the bonds with his teammates, many of whom are playing for the first time.
“It’s been good for the team because normally the team is supposed to have vibes and those things. And we call ourselves a family and that keeps the family strong,” Stephenson declared.
Waterford High’s head coach Kevin Reid was bullish on his team’s chances of making it past the group stage, even in a tough group which includes favourites Kingston College, perennial challengers St George’s College, and Calabar.
That belief is shared with Stephenson, as he is hoping that he continues to be a part of the progress that the school has made this year.
“We just have to carry out the instructions that the coach gives us and do the right thing. None of us played last year (so) for a team that doesn’t have much experience, we just put in the work this year,” Stephenson said.