Despite challenges during their preparation for the new season, Wolmer’s Boys’ Head Coach Jerome Waite wants his team to start positively against hosts St Jago High in their opening game of the ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup, starting at 3:30 pm.

The Heroes’ Circle-based boys will once again be looking to make it out of the group after doing so successfully last season where they finished top, ahead of today’s opponents.

However, things haven’t gone according to plan for Waite’s team due to difficulties in pre-season.

“It was not what we expected because one of the things that created a problem was that we didn’t have any training ground because we’re upgrading our training facilities,” he said.

“We were given the opportunity to use the Wolmer’s Girls’ field so we got in some work but it wasn’t the best. We’re hoping that as the season progresses, the team can do better. The mental preparation is still not up to par but we’re still working on it.”

Wolmer’s, who were knocked out of the second round in the competition last year, won eight of their 10 group games in 2023 but failed to beat St Jago as they lost 2-0 away and drew 1-1 at home.

Waite, in his third season as head coach, says he wants to see a good defensive performance this afternoon.

“One of the main objectives is to keep a clean sheet,” he said. “It’s the first game, despite us travelling to St Jago, that’s one of the most important things. As long we can keep a clean sheet, we will leave with at least a draw. At the same time, we want to ensure these boys can score some goals but the main objective is to keep the clean sheet.”

Although not seen as a title favourite, Waite says player development is a priority for Wolmer’s this year.

“One of the things we’re targeting this year is to ensure the younger players from the under-16 team will be given the opportunity at the under-19 level which can speak volumes for us in the near future,” he said. “It’s about the long-term development and where we want to carry Wolmer’s.”

Other matches of note see perennial title contenders and last season’s semi-finalists Kingston College taking on Penwood High and 2023 quarter-finalists Tivoli Gardens hosting Denham Town.

Monday’s fixtures:

St Jago vs Wolmer’s @ St Jago

Penwood vs Kingston College @ Maverly Football Club

Tivoli Gardens vs Denham Town @ Tivoli

Cumberland vs Campion @ Cumberland

Tarrant vs Charlie Smith @ Jacisera Park

Gaynstead vs Jonathan Grant @ Gaynstead

St Mary’s College vs Edith Dalton James @ St Mary’s College

*All matches start at 3:30pm

WAITE…the mental preparation is still not up to par but we’re still working on it