He scored twice against St George’s College in the Walker Cup winning 4-2 and he wants to retain the trophy in honour of Craig Butler who is hospitalised.

Butler, the founder of Phoenix Academy and head of Mona’s football programme is in hospital for surgery.

“So that’s what the motivation is right now. We have to just keep focused, keep disciplined and we are doing this for our coach which is in the hospital right now,” said Leighton, who is also a part of the Phoenix Academy.

“So, we’re doing all this to motivate him and get him through his procedure that he’s doing. This means a lot to him,” Leighton explained.

Butler was instrumental in creating history, guiding Mona High to their first Manning Cup title in 2023 and again their first Walker Cup crown in 2024.

Now they are in the quarterfinals and are looking to repeat their Walker Cup success and no one would bet against them achieving that following an outstanding display against St George’s College.

Mona turned in a strong second half and Leighton believed they have what it takes to go all the way and successfully defend their crown.

“Just keep the same performance that we showed in the second half, keep that going, keep the confidence and as I said we’re doing this for our coach in the hospital. So, just keep trying to give this to him as a motivation for him,” Leighton reiterated.

Leighton said scoring 26 goals is good, but the focus is much bigger.

Craig Butler (Photo: Observer file)

“My personal target is good but obviously, this wasn’t the main focus. But we’re here now, so we just have to lock in and get this, bring this home,” he said.