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Ben Francis KO: Manchester High aim for A-game against ‘powerhouse’ Clarendon College
October 02, 2026
After an intriguing Round of 16, the final eight teams will take centre stage tomorrow when the quarterfinals of the ISSA Ben Francis Knockout tournament get under way in what promises to be some highly competitive matches.
Among the four high-stakes encounters, all eyes will be on the clash between defending champions Clarendon College and Manchester High at Manchester playing field, with kick-off set for 3 p.m.
Manchester’s coach Johnoy Chambers said the primary goal is to replicate the team’s impressive performance on Tuesday, or improve.
“Preparations going into Saturday’s game are good. We’re looking forward to playing the defending champions Clarendon College,” said Chambers. “The reality is we just want to replicate the performance we did on Tuesday against Cornwall College, doing what’s expected or even go better against Clarendon.
“They are one of the powerhouse teams of the daCosta Cup and the Ben Francis competitions. They have everything that we’re aspiring to be, so going into that game, it’s all about keeping cool heads, controlling emotions, and executing the game plan.
“It’s a home game for us, so we’ll have the fans and everybody pushing us,” added Chambers.
Manchester defeated Cornwall College 2-0, while Clarendon College brushed aside Ocho Rios High by the same score on Wednesday to book their place in the quarter-finals.
While Manchester are yet to capture a domestic title, Clarendon College enter the quarter-final clash with five championships to their name, highlighting the rich football tradition that runs deep in the parish.
In an eye-catching matchup, Munro College will host Denbigh High at Munro playing field at 3 p.m.
Munro will look to continue their impressive form when they face a hungry Clarendon-based Denbigh. With home advantage on their side, Munro will be counting on the support.
Speaking to STAR SPORTS, Denbigh’s coach Garfield Carney said the focus is ensuring they do not take the challenge for granted.
“Our team just needs to go out there and actually execute our plans that we have. Preparation is going on well; we are focusing mostly on recovery and hydration, which will be very important for tomorrow’s match,” said Carney.
“We are anticipating a tough, physical match against Munro, so we are preparing the team mentally for that and also getting them ready to play our passing game. Our finishing is also one of the areas we need to work on going into the match,” added Carney.
Neither team has won the Ben Francis title, and both will be eager to move a step closer to lifting the trophy.
Tomorrow’s matches
1:30 p.m. Old Harbour vs Dinthill at Glenmuir
3:45 p.m. Glenmuir High vs McGrath at Glenmuir
3 p.m. Munro vs Denbigh High at Munro
3 p.m. Manchester vs Clarendon College at Manchester
