Mona upbeat ahead of crucial clash against STATHS
Published:Friday | November 10, 2023 | 12:11 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
THE Craig Butler-coached Mona High team will have all to play for this afternoon when they lock horns with the Phillip Williams-coached St Andrew Technical (STATHS) in a crucial quarter-final fixture in the 2023 ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex. Kick-off time is 3 p.m.
Mona, who are currently third in Group 1 on two points, are cognisant of the fact that only a victory over STATHS will take them through to the semi-final stage of the competition. Speaking ahead of today’s assignment, Butler shared that his players are not nervous, as all members of the team are on the same page.
“Everyone is focused and determined to get this victory. STATHS are a good team but Mona have the depth, determination, skill and leadership in the team to win,” he stated.
Mona, from their two games played, have twice drawn, following results of 1-1 against Kingston College (KC) and 1-1 against St Catherine High. According to Butler, he hopes that his team will stick to their pre-season commitment of going all the way this season, and he is confident that they will get the job done against a tough STATHS outfit.
“All we have to do is ensure that we follow through on our commitment. The only teams that haven’t lost this season are ourselves and St George’s College. The ball is round and anybody can win on the day, and we’re going to give it our one million per cent and I believe my boys won’t let me down,” said Butler.
According to the Mona coach, the Manning Cup season has gone to plan so far and he is happy knowing that his team’s fate lies solely in their hands.
“It has gone very well, as we’ve accomplished what we’ve set out to do so far. We still have our destiny in our own hands, as all we have to do is win and go through. We don’t have to depend on the results of other games. Mona and Phoenix Academy have the same thing in common, as they don’t like the easy way out. So we’ll push through and get the victory, and that’s all we can ask for,” Butler said.
While Mona must win today to reach the semi-finals of the competition, STATHS can advance with a draw. They are on three points, one less than Group 1 leaders Kingston College, who also need just a draw against St Catherine High today at the Spanish Town Prison Oval to advance.
St Catherine are not out of it. A win against KC today would put them on four points, and goal difference could decide the semi-finalists from the group. KC have a goal difference of plus one, STATHS (zero), Mona (zero) and St Catherine, minus one.
Today’s matches
St Catherine High vs Kingston College (Spanish Town Prison Oval)
Mona High vs St Andrew Technical (Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex)
Both games kick off at 3 p.m.