BOYS’ TOWN FC and Liguanea United have secured their spots in Sunday’s final of the Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) U17 competition in contrasting fashion.
Boys’ Town edged Maverley Hughenden 4-3 on penalties after playing out a 2-2 draw at the end of regulation and extra time while on the other hand, Liguanea United defeated Real Mona 2-0 in their semifinal fixture.
Head coach of Liguanea United, Andre Virtue, said his team were deserved finalists.
“They deserve it. They’re in the finals and we’re in the finals and we didn’t come here to just participate,” he said.
“One of our goals at the beginning of the season was to be the under-17 champions and so we’ll recover and get the team going. There is nothing more to say, it is a final so we’re going to go out there and do it.”
Virtue said a boost for his team will be the experience within the squad as several of the players also competed at the senior level in the Wray & Nephew-sponsored KSAFA Championship.
He said the team has continued to improve with every game they play and are confident ahead of their final fixture against Boys’ Town.
“We feel good. It’s been a long season from Super League to under-17 because it’s the same set of boys. I’m happy for the victory and definitely the boys put in a lot of work and sacrifices, so we’re happy,” he said.
“There are always weaknesses, but we’ve been learning throughout the season and every game is an opportunity to learn more and today is no different.”
Boys’ Town, however, will have something to say about those aspirations.
With their senior team having claimed the Championship title in May, the under-17 squad will be hoping to repeat their success come Sunday.
Ronaldo Livingston of Boys’ Town, who also scored in the semifinals, said he anticipates the “bigger and better” team to walk away with the title.
“It’s a great feeling but it’s not my first semifinal, but it’s my first semifinal with Boys’ Town. We’re not really worrying because the bigger team and better team will win. I don’t see a weakness so far in training.”
The final is set for Sunday, July 7 at the Constant Spring Sports Complex.