Race for daCosta Cup title heats up

The race for this year’s daCosta Cup title intensifies today when the quarterfinals kick off at 3 p.m. at four venues.

Football lovers will have their eyes locked in on a tough matchup with Group One’s 12-time champions Cornwall College hosting last year’s finalists McGrath High at the Cornwall College playing field.

According to Jermaine Thomas, coach of McGrath, it will be an interesting encounter.

“Going up against Cornwall in Montego Bay is always going to be a difficult task but we are going to be up to it at this stage of the competition,” Thomas said, noting the team has been doing well this season.

Thomas said the St Catherine-based school is prepared to do what it takes to advance to the semifinals

“All is there to play for. We are never afraid of any team but we respect our opponents and we will treat the game as such,” Thomas added, stating the players are motivated.

McGrath finished the round of 16 with a 1-0 defeat against Dinthill. It was their first defeat this season.

Meanwhile, Cornwall College, the school with the most daCosta Cup titles, missed the quarterfinals last year and are aiming to start on a positive note today as they look to extend their unbeaten streak at home this season.

Hector Wright, coach of Cornwall, told The Gleaner that the aim is to remain focused and control the game.

“Once we apply ourselves properly and do what we need to do in games, we will be on the right track. Coming into this round, the teams will be tougher,” said Wright.

“We will need the senior players to step up and perform for the team. Once we have that, we should be good,” added Wright.

After losing two games this season, the Declan Nelson-coached Christiana High will be aiming for a big performance when they face Dinthill Technical at the Dinthill playing field in St Catherine.

Nelson told The Gleaner that preparations have been smooth for the encounter.

“We had a few players with flu recently but they have recovered from that, so preparations are going well right now,” said Nelson.

The Manchester-based Christiana have never advanced further than the quarterfinals and as such Nelson aims to create history this year.

“It is going to be a tough game but the boys are mentally prepared. We want to go further in the competition, so we are going to go there and to give it our best shot,” added Nelson.

Today’s games

Cornwall College vs McGrath at Cornwall College

Glenmuir vs Kemps Hill at Glenmuir

STETHS vs Clarendon College at STETHS Sports Complex

Dinthill vs Christiana High at Dinthill Technical

All four games kick off at 3 p.m.