Herbert Morrison Technical High School has qualified for the second round of the ISSA/WATA daCosta Cup for the first time in five years after their 1-1 draw with hosts Holland High School yesterday.
Tajae Bronstroph gave Herbert Morrison the lead in the 27th minute and they looked to be in cruise control. However, two minutes into the second half, Johnoy McIntoch pulled things back for Holland, but the visitors held on to secure qualification.
Head coach of Herbert Morrison, Leacroft Letman, said this qualification was long coming and means a lot to the school's football programme of the school.
"It's a step forward for Herbert Morrison. Over the last three years, we have worked together as a team to go forward. It was always a point away a minute away but this year it was two games away and I think the boys stuck to the task as a team to get this one," said Letman.
"This speaks volumes because we started out with a young under-13 squad two years ago. Last year, that same team went to the quarter-finals in the under-16's. The boys said this year we are going to put the school through to the second round of the daCosta Cup," he added.
"It's the same boys coming up through the ranks of the under-14s, so it's more of a team effort, starting with our goalkeeper, who is one of the more senior players. They play together, fight together and win together so it's a more cohesive unit going forward."
Letman, is aware that finishing second in the zone, Herbert Morrison will be down the rankings on the seeding chart. He said they are prepared to match any test come their way, to march into the quarter-finals.
"Preseason, we gave the boys a good run playing some of the top schools and even a premier league team, in Waterhouse. It has tested the depth and level of these boys, so I think if we are put to the test with a good team, we will be there neck and neck with them. Once on the day we come out and play the brand of football we know we can play, we can be a surprise package this season," said Letman.