Despite just retaining three of their starting players, Wolmer’s Boys’ are expected to be once again challenging for Group A honours and, by extension, the Manning Cup title.

Wolmer’s Boys’, who won the rich Flow Super Cup and reached the final of the Manning Cup, will be looking to end their 23-year drought, and head coach Rudolph Speid is optimistic.

“The truth is we lost about eight starters from last year but we kept three quality players that played most of last year in Rivaldo English, Ramone Lewis and Mario Sailsman,” Speid revealed.

“But we added some players who were in the squad so they get to step up now and also add a few players. Basically, we don’t have the name brand players like we had last year, but we have a good steady bunch which we expect to perform just as well this year,” he noted.

Wolmer’s Boys’, which last won the Manning Cup in 1994 which was the last of their 10 titles, are drawn in Group A along with the 1976 champions Tivoli Gardens High, Innswood High, Haile Selassie High, Kingston High and Pembroke Hall High.

“Our preseason we actually allowed the players to do their exams and we didn’t start until June. But I believe that is a good amount of time to prepare in a competition definitely had about two and half months of good training. Pretty much we had a decent preparation and we start the competition, on Saturday, but there is still time to fine-tune,” Speid told the Jamaica Observer.

“Just like in world football there is no really easy teams any more. You really have to go on the day to beat them.

That’s exactly what Wolmer’s did as they trounced Pembroke Hall High 8-0 in their opening game on Saturday.

Wolmer’s Boys’ have lost the imposing figure of Jahwani Hinds at the back and Shamar Jemison, arguably the best goalkeeper in the competition last year. The Heroes’ Circle school will also have to find a goalscorer to replace the lethal Alphanso Gooden who banged in 10 goals.

But having won the Super Cup and placing second in the Manning Cup, Wolmer’s Boys’ are expected to once again make their presence felt.

“We not easily satisfied. We want to be where the medals are, so we not going to be satisfied with anything less than trying to get some medals and trophies; that’s what we coming to compete for. It’s going to be hard but that’s our aim,” said Speid.

— Howard Walker