Guyanese invitees give St Jago competitive edge - Tudor, Solomon adapting well to Manning Cup, life in Jamaica

St Jago's Guyanese players Marcus Tudor and Brandon Solomon have adjusted well to Jamaica's ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup football competition and have already stepped to the fore for the Spanish Town-based institution in several matches.

Solomon has marshalled St Jago's defence with authority, being integral in not allowing more than the 14 goals they have conceded this season. Tudor, a midfielder, has also been vital in getting St Jago the 15 goals they have scored. Tudor's high point to date is a hat-trick in a 5-2 victory over Holy Trinity recently.

Solomon and Tudor have helped St Jago to third in Group B with 12 points, behind Jamaica College with 22 and St Catherine with 19.

According to Coach Garnett Lawrence, Solomon and Tudor have adjusted well to Jamaica and their presence in St Jago's return to competitiveness in the Manning Cup has been notable.

"They are exceptional players. They have brought something to St Jago, where the guys have lifted their games and also St Jago have given them something that has made them so comfortable.

"It's a collective effort with both countries and they are exceptional and great for the team. They are enjoying it so much and we really want to give them a second-round berth and push for more. So they are working on it. It's a work in progress," Lawrence said.

Both Solomon and Tudor have expressed appreciation for the opportunity to showcase their talent in the Manning Cup and have praised St Jago for allowing them to be comfortable in their new environment.

"I adjusted very quickly, within a week I adapted. It wasn't very hard. They were very welcoming. The hospitality was great and we are a family. As soon as I reach Jamaica they welcomed me," Solomon said.

Tudor added: "Jamaica has been good. Since I come, they have been very welcoming."

St Jago have also had some, not-so-great moments this season, with an unexpected loss against Cedar Grove, anchoring them in the middle of the points standing. Coach Lawrence believes they still stand a good chance of qualifying for the second round as one of four best third-place teams.

Solomon and Tudor want to be a vital part of the push in their final two matches of the preliminary round and possibly beyond.

"This season has been great for me. I am satisfied but I know I can still do more because I work very hard and going forward I know I can do a lot better than I did in the games before as we will pick up ourselves and go again. I love my team and will keep fighting for them," Solomon said.

"We have been playing well so far. There are some things that we can improve on and going forward we will do much better in the tournament," Tudor proffered.

Both speak eloquently about the standard of the Manning Cup.

"The standout for me is a very great atmosphere, the team spirit, everything is really good," Solomon said.

Tudor added: "In my age group, the players are very good."

St Jago will play Holy Trinity in their return-leg match today at the Spanish Town Prison Oval, where they will again be on Saturday to close the preliminary round against St Mary's College.