WOLMER’S Boys’ Captain Daquan Duhaney says he’s doing his best to inspire his teammates as they look to move into the second round of the ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup.

The boys from Heroes’ Circle recorded their fourth-straight win on Tuesday in a tense 4-2 win over Tivoli Gardens High at the Mico University College playing field. Addon Daye, Romie Henry, and two own goals carried Wolmer’s to victory, leaving them now in control of Zone E on 12 points — three clear of Tivoli. Duhaney has grown into the competition since making his debut in 2021.

Now in his fourth year and first as captain, he says he’s becoming a more holistic player.

“This is my fourth season and my third with Coach Jerome Waite. He’s a very good coach; I’ve learnt a lot from him. And over the four seasons I just use my experience to bring up the youngsters and teach them what I know so they teach it to the younger ones as well. It’s been very good going at Wolmer’s,” Duhaney said.

Wolmer’s have faced some difficulties throughout the season, including the lack of a designated training ground which hampered their preseason preparation.

However, Duhaney says they’re overcoming the challenge.

“The manager told us that nothing will stand in our way — and that’s what’s happening right now. Nothing is going to stand in our way. We’re going to make the best of what we have and just do it,” he said.

He’s now calling on his teammates to finish the group in a strong position.

“Last year’s team had a few youngsters; they’ve matured now and so we’re executing now — and you’re seeing the benefits of that this season,” he said.

“We just have to keep the intensity up, keep going hard in training and giving our all on the field. That’s supposed to carry us to the second round as the top team in the zone, and we take it from there,” said Duhaney.

Despite suffering their first defeat of the season, Tivoli’s Head Coach Christopher Nicholas wasn’t overly disappointed with the result, citing the positive approach from his players.

“I’ve seen a lot of improvement in their attitude, trust me. These youngsters are now listening. As you can see, you saw a totally different team in the second half,” he said.

“Wolmer’s went up 3-0, we scored two own goals and we missed a lot of chances but, that’s football.”

Nicholas, who guided the team to the quarter-finals last year, is optimistic his young team will shake off the early season anxiety.

“I think they just need more exposure, because most of them have never been outside in an environment like this. When they get more exposure they’ll feel more comfortable and be more involved in the game,” he said.

Tuesday’s Results

Wolmer’s 4, Tivoli 1

Edith Dalton James 0, St Jago 7

Waterford 0, Charlie Smith 4

Wednesday’s Games

Eltham vs Hydel @ Eltham High

Bridgeport vs Jamaica College @ Dunbeholden

Haile Selassie vs STATHS @ Haile Selassie High

Pembroke Hall vs Excelsior @ Pembroke Hall High

Vauxhall vs Camperdown @ Vauxhall High

Campion vs Penwood @ Campion

Meadowbrook vs Kingston College @ Meadowbrook

Jose Marti vs Cumberland @ Jose Marti