BASED on current performances and talent within the team, Raymond Watson, head coach of Kingston College (KC), says his team is in the right condition to win the 2022 Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association/Digicel Manning Cup football competition.

The defending champions easily brushed aside Ardenne High 9-0 in their Group A encounter at Stadium East on Friday, making it a perfect six from six.

Nashordo Gibbs (11th and 52nd minutes) and Dujuan Richards (89th and 90+ minutes) scored braces, while Romario Campbell (34), Akeem Weir (45+ minute), Jaheem Johnson (62nd minute), Damaine Smith (68th minute), and Mario Swaby (81st minute) got the other goals for KC.

“We are going to try and win the competition. I mean, we are KC and so we have no option otherwise from trying to do it. Based on whether or not we can, that question will be answered as the competition progresses,” Watson told the Jamaica Observer.

“We have basically done what we can do as a coaching staff in terms of proper preparations; we have done that so it is up to the boys to perform on the field. Football is a game of highs and lows as sometimes the referee will make a decision and the players themselves will make a decision and the coaching staff wish they didn’t,” Watson added.

KC wasted no time in stamping their authority when Campbell sent the defending champions in front with a strike in the 11th minute. Gibbs made it 2-0 as the attacker easily tapped home in the 34th minute.

Ardenne had a couple of attempts of their own but didn’t really trouble Malique Williams in goal for KC. Weir then sent his team into the break with a comfortable 3-0 lead after netting from close range in the 45th minute.

The floodgates opened in the second half with KC pumping in six more goals to cap off a resounding win.

“Based on how the team played, I was pleased with the performance. It was a very good performance and I think it was one of our better performances so far — and congratulations to the team overall,” Watson ended.

— Ruddy Allen

FRIDAY’S RESULTS

Group A

Kingston College 9, Ardenne 0

St George’s 9, Meadowbrook 0

Calabar 2, Waterford 2

Group B

St Catherine 10, St Mary’s College 0

SATURDAY’S GAMES

Group D

Dunoon vs Tarrant @ Excelsior High

Jonathan Grant vs STATHS @ Jonathan Grant High

Norman Manley vs Spanish Town @ Maxfield Park