THE 2023 instalment of the Jamaica Independent Schools Association (JISA) Alberga Cup Under-12 football competition is set to get underway on October 18, in what is expected to be one of the most open seasons in recent times.

Defending champions Lannaman’s Prep started last season as the overwhelming favourites, and duly delivered on that promise with an all-conquering campaign that saw them beat Emmanuel Christian Academy (ECA) for the league title (Alberga Cup) before stopping Belair Prep in the Henriques Cup knockout tournament to secure the double.

The man behind that success was Head Coach Haron Martin, who was also a member of the Lannaman’s team when the team won their first titles — an Alberga/Henrigues double — in 1993.

With the majority of their senior players from last year moving on to high school Martin is bracing for an even tougher challenge this season, with the likes of preseason favourites and last year’s beaten finalists ECA, as well as semi-finalists in 2022 Mona Prep and Sts Peter and Paul, alongside Henriques Cup finalist Belair Prep, again expected to figure prominently.

Last year’s quarter-finalists Liberty Academy, Hillel Academy, and Wolmer’s Prep have all made significant strides and will enter the competition with confidence that they can make a mark as dark horses.

“We are the defending champions, however most of our senior players have moved on to high school. As far as this season [is concerned], we have a pretty young team. We are pretty much in a rebuilding phase but, at the same time, I’m optimistic,” Martin told the Jamaica Observer.

“I mean I’ve been there and done that, I know what it takes, and I have some young players who are just anticipating and are ready to go.”

Martin acknowledged the threat of ECA to his team’s ambitions this season but is adamant that his team’s quality, winning mentality, and fight will prove valuable.

“I expect Emmanuel to have a good team. We played them two times last year and I’m pretty sure they retained most of their players so I will say they are the favourites. But at the same time we are the defending champions and, as I’ve said before, we have been there and done that and we know what it takes to win. We have the heart of champions, that’s all I can say,” Martin added.

The coach added that on a personal level, he is buoyed by his own experience of winning the double, both as a player and a coach, and is looking forward to the challenges of the upcoming season.

“It’s like I am a brand new coach all over again, you know? I mean, I was elated last season when I realised it’s the first time this feat was achieved; I am humbled but at the same time I’m elated. And, of course, this motivates me more to even push these players and keep working, going forward. I am happy to have won as a student at Lannaman’s and also as the coach of the school,” said Martin who also serves as head coach for the Wolmer’s Boys’ Under-14 team.

ZONE 1 — Lannaman’s, Ardenne, Hillel, Bright Beginnings, St Andrew, Mavisville, St John the Baptist, Morris Knibb

ZONE 2 — Mona, AISK, Praise Tabernacle, Gordon’s Memorial, Avondale, Trafalgar, Portmore Missionary, Our Lady of the Angels

ZONE 3 — Emmanuel Christian Academy, Vaz, Obistian, St Theresa, Dunrobin, Alvernia, PGA, Liberty

ZONE 4 — Sts Peter and Paul, St Hugh’s, New Hope, St Catherine, Wolmer’s, Queens, Stella Maris

ZONE 5 — Belair, West Indies, El Instituto, Glenmuir, South Stars, Monsignor Colin Bryan