‘I would love to be a part of history’

When he leads his team out of the tunnel today in the ISSA Manning Cup final at the National Stadium, St Catherine High’s captain, Romaine Walters, will be chasing history as he hopes to ensure his school’s first ever hold on the schoolboy football title.

St Catherine will face off against Kingston College (KC) in the pivotal decider set to kick off at 6:15 p.m.

Walters will be making his final appearance in the Manning Cup and hopes to close out his time by lifting the coveted trophy as team captain.

Despite the pressure that comes with the occasion, he is confident that his team can topple their more-fancied opponents and create history.

“Definitely, the pressure comes with it, but you just have to know how to control your emotions and get the team over the line because you are in charge,” he explained in the build-up to the match.

“I am confident. We know what we have to do, and it’s in all the training that we have put in from before. We just have to go out there and play to our best.”

St Catherine secured their passage to the final after defeating Jamaica College (JC) 5-3 on penalties in the semi-final after a 1-1 draw in regulation.

Walters, who often marshals his team from the back, had shown his leadership capabilities in the semi-finals as he stepped up to score a crucial equalising penalty in regulation time against JC before leading from the front yet again, scoring the opening penalty in the resulting shoot-out.

Walters said it is a badge of pride to be the captain of the team, which made history as first-time finalists for the school.

“It’s a good feeling knowing that we are the first to do it in the school’s history and that we are putting our school out there as one of the best football teams as well.

“We want to continue making history for the school and lift the Manning Cup title for the first time. I would love to be a part of that history.”

DOING IT FOR THE FANS

Walters explained that the school and its community have been abuzz with excitement as the final draws near.

He is thankful for the support the team has received from their fans throughout the season and hopes to repay their support with a positive result at the end of their campaign.

“They really support us a lot. They have been there from the start, and they have shown us a lot of support. We can feel the joy from the fans, so we just have to continue doing what we’re doing,” he said.

“We got all the resources from the coaches and the management staff. The players have put in a lot of work, so I think we do have what it takes to go over the line, so we’ll certainly do our best.”

St Catherine Vice-Principal Eroll Martin said the team has brought a new wave of pride to the students and school alumni alike.

He was filled with praises for the players and wished them the best in their crucial matchup to come.

“This must be something that is going to change the dynamic a whole lot. Manning Cup is a big thing. It is big business and a big competition,” Martin said.

“I must say I’m a little nervous, but I want the boys to do well. They have worked hard. They have given it their all, and we’re just praying for the best.”

– GB