SCHOOLBOY footballer Deshawn Byfield is on a mission.

He is oozing with confidence having scored 22 goals last season. This time around he is targeting 35 or more — a tally he believes will help Kingston College (KC) retain the ISSA urban area Manning Cup title.

The talented 17-year-old, known as Ruto, has scored 14 goals from nine games so far, including a seven-timer in KC’s 14-0 win over Tarrant High.

KC have been perfect, winning all nine games this season with Byfield heading the line, leading from the front.

“We have a good chance of retaining it because we have the talent and the chemistry to go on,” said Byfield.

“We just have to stay focused on the prize, and work for each other, and listen to the coaches,” he added.

Kingston College, drawn in Zone B, brushed aside Charlie Smith High (3-0) in their opening match of the season, with Byfield getting off the mark. That was followed by an 8-1 drubbing of Kingston Technical as Byfield scored three times.

The “Purples” then beat Haile Selassie High 2-0 and 4-0; defeated Jose Marti Technical 8-1; blanked Tivoli Gardens High 4-0; got full points after Denham Town failed to show; and outscored Charlie Smith 4-2 on Saturday.

With that impressive run KC are safely through to the second round and are looking ominous.

And on an individual level Byfield is certainly one for the future, having represented Jamaica at the Under-15 level in 2023. And he is looking and dreaming big.

“Representing my country at the Under-15 level was a tremendous honour and it instilled in me a sense of pride, responsibility and dignity,” said Byfield.

“This experience not only allowed me to showcase my skills but also opened doors to better opportunities,” he added.

And with Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz senior team Head Coach Steve McClaren calling 17-year-old Seymour Reid to the set-up, Byfield believes the move gives youngsters like himself the motivation to push harder.

“The fact that a young player was called up to the senior team is a beacon of hope for us schoolboy footballers, reminding us that our talents, attitude and dedication are being recognised,” said Byfield.

He continued: “Personally, I aspire to be called upon but ultimately it’s in God’s hands. As Chronicles 2, 15:7 reminds us: ‘But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for the work will be rewarded.’ ”

The St Thomas native plays for Harbour View and idolises Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo.

But Byfield wants to don the red of the English champions Liverpool.

“That’s my dream, because it’s my favourite team and I have been supporting them since I was a little boy,” Byfield noted.

Despite Jamaica’s 0-2 loss to Curacao, Byfield remains optimistic that the Reggae Boyz will advance to the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

“The senior Reggae Boyz team has some exceptional players with genuine potential, and their remarkable performances are a testament to their dedication. With the right mindset and commitment I firmly believe they can qualify for the World Cup next year,” he said.