‘It is everything to me’
Glenmuir talisman Watson sees football as his ‘out’
Published:Tuesday | November 26, 2024 | 12:08 AMAshley Anguin/Gleaner Writer
FOOTBALL IS everything for Glenmuir High School’s leading goalscorer Orane Watson.
Watson, who has scored 31 goals in this year’s ISSA/WATA daCosta Cup for favourites Glenmuir, scored to help his side get by a game Kingston College (KC) and into the semifinals of the Champions Cup on Saturday night.
But for Watson, the game is about far more than nights like Saturday night’s 2-1 victory over KC.
“Football takes the pain away. It is everything to me,” said the 18-year-old, who has short-term goals of landing the daCosta Cup’s golden boot and becoming a professional as a more medium-term plan.
“I am very passionate about this sport. Football is life. If I am being honest, it is my way of getting out and I don’t see myself playing any sport other than football. It brings happiness, joy and it always puts a smile on my face. Anytime I play football is like every one of my pains just gone, mi just settle with football,” he said.
Watson, who has one more season in the daCosta Cup, would be happy to seek a professional career right after high school.
In the meantime, he is preparing for the semifinals of the daCosta Cup and said his aim is to score 35 goals or more this season.
“I scored 32 goals overall, 31 in the daCosta Cup and one in the Champions Cup. I am confident that I will be the leading goalscorer with 35 goals or more this season. In regard to the teams left in the semifinals, they are very strong, so if anyone comes, I will just take on the challenge,” Watson said.
Watson is also feeling lucky to have stayed injury-free this season.
“As for training, I would say it is going pretty good so far, there are no challenges. Thankfully, I don’t have any injuries so I am just working hard to play to the best of my ability.”
The high-flying Glenmuir have been cruising this season and Watson’s performances have been a big reason for that.
Glenmuir will go up against Garvey Maceo for a place in their second daCosta Cup final in a row, and the right to play either Ocho Rios or McGrath.
In the Champions Cup, Glenmuir won’t have it any easier, with history-chasing Ocho Rios High in the kind of mood to beat all comers. The two play for the right to face either Jamaica College or Hydel in the final.
In a parish famed for producing football talent, it is no surprise that Watson was introduced to the sport quite early.
“I started playing football when I was six years old. From mi a grow up, my mother has always pushed me to do my best. She believes in me and every one of my games up until now, she is always there. Me playing football makes her happy and I always want to see her happy.”