Ben Francis KO showdown - Seven-time champs Glenmuir and five-time winners Clarendon square off at STETHS
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Glenmuir’s Orel Miller. Photo - File
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Glenmuir’s Orel Miller. Photo - File
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Clarendon College's Patrick Page (left) tries to outrun Manchester High’s Brandon Brown during their ISSA Ben Francis KO quarterfinal match at Manchester High's playing field on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Photo - Ashley Anguin
Glenmuir High and defending champions Clarendon College will renew their rivalry in today’s ISSA/WATA Ben Francis Cup final at St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS), with both teams eager to lift their first trophy of the season.
Seven-time champions Glenmuir booked their place in the final with a 2-0 win over Dinthill Technical while Clarendon College edged Denbigh High 4-3 on penalties after a tense semi-final encounter to advance to their third consecutive final.
Clarendon College, five-time winners of the competition, will be seeking to retain the title, while Glenmuir are aiming to lift the trophy for the first time since 2012.
Clarendon College head coach Devon Anderson is confident his team can successfully defend their crown, provided they improve on their finishing.
“We are looking forward to the final. Once our players put away their chances, I have no doubt that we will defend our title successfully. Execution will be key for us, and I am extremely confident that they will find their scoring form,” Anderson said after his team’s semi-final victory.
Clarendon College will enter today’s showdown with some momentum after recording a 1-0 win over Manchester High in midweek action in the second round of the daCosta Cup.
However, Glenmuir’s first-time head coach, Ashani Mullings, is equally confident that his team can rise to the occasion and end their long wait for another Ben Francis Cup title.
“We are glad we are in the final. We are not focusing on our opponent but on ourselves, and we will be going for broke, as winning this title will give us a lot of confidence for the remainder of the season,” Mullings said.
Glenmuir have been enjoying a flawless run before their midweek daCosta Cup fixture, when they were held to a goalless draw by parish rivals Central High.
Mullings will now be hoping his players can rediscover their winning touch when it matters most, as they seek to add an eighth Ben Francis Cup title to the school’s collection.
With parish bragging rights at stake, today’s Ben Francis KO final promises an intriguing contest between two teams with rich histories in the competition.