KINGSTON, Jamaica — Kingston College (KC) reaffirmed their dominance in schoolboy football on Friday night, clinching their 17th ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup title with a decisive 3-1 victory over debut finalists St Catherine High at the National Stadium.
The win not only cements KC’s legacy but also marks their third championship in the last six years. Head coach Vassell Reynolds joined the elite ranks of coaches to have won both the Manning Cup and the Rural Area daCosta Cup, following his 2011 triumph with Rusea’s High. This historic achievement places him alongside legends Frank Brown and Patrick ‘Jackie’ Walters.
KC entered the final as overwhelming favorites and wasted no time proving why. The first half saw them dominate proceedings, with Jaeshawn Edwards heading home an unmarked effort in the 36th minute. Just before the break, Demario Dailey doubled their lead, converting a well-placed cross from the right.
St Catherine High, appearing in their first Manning Cup final, struggled to contain KC’s attacking prowess. Their hopes were further dashed in the 54th minute when Deshawn Byfield scored KC’s third goal. An own goal in the 62nd minute offered St Catherine High a glimmer of hope, but it was too little, too late.
For St Catherine High’s head coach, Anthony Patrick, the result marked a fourth Manning Cup final defeat, including two prior losses with Bridgeport High. Despite the setback, St Catherine’s journey to the final highlights their growth and potential in the competition.
Kingston College’s victory underscores their status as one of Jamaica’s football powerhouses, with their disciplined approach and clinical execution leaving little doubt about their championship pedigree.
As the celebrations continue for the “Purples,” their achievement not only adds another chapter to their storied legacy but also sets the stage for a bright future in local schoolboy football.
