In the build-up to their toughest test so far in this season’s Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association/Digicel Manning Cup, Hydel High Head Coach Devon Anderson believes his youthful team is improving weekly.

Hydel are scheduled to take on Eltham High this afternoon at 3:30 pm.

Last season’s beaten finalists Hydel have started the 2024 campaign on a winning note with victories against Ardenne High and Clan Carthy High. They have netted 13 goals and are one of the few teams who are yet to concede.

While pleased with what he’s seen, Anderson says there’s more to come from his team.

“We have a lot of inexperience in our team right now. A lot of youngsters coming in, we have lost the core of the team from last year so we’re building. We’ve started on the front foot and aim to continue there,” he said.

“I’m not saying they are where I want them to be mentally [at] this moment, but they’re on their way. With each game, we’re gaining progress, we’re gaining strides. They understand the system, know what we need to do on a match day to come out with a win, so I can’t knock them. I have to just continue to motivate them toward that elusive title.”

The boys from Ferry, on six points, are expecting a tough challenge against Zone A leaders Eltham, who are on nine points. Eltham have been lethal in their opening three fixtures, scoring a combined 20 goals against Clan Carthy, Ardenne, and Dunoon Park Technical, while keeping three clean sheets.

Anderson, though, says Hydel will be ready for what’s ahead.

“Every team we play against we respect them, but we don’t fear anyone. We’re just going there to play our game. At the end of 90 minutes, I’ll take whatever [result] comes out of the game,” said Anderson.

Other games of note will see many-time champions Jamaica College travelling to Portmore to take on Bridgeport High, and St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) visiting Haile Selassie High.

MONDAY’S GAMES

•Eltham vs Hydel @ Eltham High

•Bridgeport vs Jamaica College @ Dunbeholden

•Haile Selassie vs STATHS @ Haile Selassie High

•Calabar vs Kingston Technical @ Calabar High

•Pembroke Hall vs Excelsior @ Pembroke Hall High

•Vauxhall vs Camperdown @ Vauxhall High

•Papine vs Norman Manley @ Papine High

•Ardenne vs Dunoon @ Ardenne High