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Manning Cup final expected to bring fireworks
December 19, 2025
The ISSA/WATA Manning Cup final is expected to bring fireworks today at the National Stadium as Jamaica College (JC) go toe-to-toe with Excelsior High for schoolboy football glory at 6 p.m.
In the opening game of the doubleheader, Mona High will look to defend their title when they face St Catherine High in the ISSA Walker Cup knockout competition final.
It will be the second meeting between JC and Excelsior this season, as the two teams had met in the quarterfinal round of the Manning Cup.
In an intense match that brought both fans to their feet, JC clipped Excelsior through a late goal from Duwayne Burgher in a 2-1 win.
Raymond Watson, coach of JC, said their only priority is to leave the field as champions.
JC are 31-time Manning Cup champions, the most in the competition's history, and are looking for their first hold of the title since 2022.
"To win. To win on Friday, nothing more, nothing less," Watson said of his expectations.
"We played Excelsior before, we know what they will do and they know what we will do. It just comes down to who wants it most."
A strong Excelsior are looking for their first hold on the title since 2004.
DESPERATE FOR SUCCESS
Led by head coach Keon Broderick, Excelsior will be hoping they can get on the right side of the results this time round.
Broderick said it will be a major win if they can bring back a schoolboy football title to the school community desperate for success.
They came close to winning a trophy last year, but were turned back 3-1 by Mona in the Walker Cup final.
This, Broderick said, is added motivation for his players.
"Of course they are hungry and the coaching staff and management team are hungry to get a title here at Excelsior High," Broderick said.
GOLDEN BOOT RACE
The final could also have an impact on the golden boot race as both teams have a player each in the top four.
The Manning Cup golden boot award only considers goals scored at the start of the round of 16 onwards.
Excelsior will be hoping top marksman Kimarly Scott will be in fine form as his six goals since the round of 16 see him sitting second in the race behind Eltham High's Santana Headley with seven.
JC's Jamone Lyle is fourth in the standings with four goals, and could pull a late charge if he can add his name to the scoresheet.
