Anthony Minott - Lebert Halliman (right), coach of Excelsior High, congratulates Anthony Patrick, coach of Bridgeport, after the Portmore-based school advanced to the ISSA/Pepsi/JN Manning Cup final by beating defending champs Calabar 4-3 on penalties in last week's semi-finals. Today the coaches will face each other in what is expected to be a gruelling tactical battle.

Robert Bailey, Star Writer

The stage is set for today's grand showdown in the final of the ISSA/Pepsi/JN Manning Cup when seven-time champions Excelsior High take on Bridgeport High at the National Stadium starting at 3:00 p.m.

Excelsior coach Leebert Halliman will be gunning for his fourth Manning Cup title and he's very confident that he will achieve this milestone.

"I am very confident of my team's chances," Halliman said. "Because once you are in the final it's only two things you can expect, win or lose and I am confident that we are going to win."

Excelsior, who won back-to-back titles in 2003 and 2004, booked their spot in the final by defeating Walker Cup champions Eltham High 1-0 in the semi-finals at the Harbour View Mini Stadium last week.

Halliman admitted that his team is a very young one and is still learning the game.

"But I think this team is a very good team. They have been showing a lot of discipline, determination and guts throughout this season, and one must remember that this team is also one of the youngest teams in the competition and we can only get better," explained Halliman.

Akiem Nelson, Jermaine Parris, Richardo Scott, Alanzo Adlam and their impressive goalkeeper Chevon Brown should ensure that the Mountain View-based school captures its sixth schoolboy title.

Meanwhile, Bridgeport, who last won the title in 2001, booked their spot in the final after dethroning Calabar 4-2 on penalties, after both teams had played to a 2-2 draw after extra time.

Like Halliman, Bridgeport coach Anthony Patrick is exuding confidence.

"I am very confident and optimistic of my team's chances," Patrick said.

"Based on our form going into the finals, my team has been scoring a lot of goals and that was very important to us. Our preparation has been going well, according to plan. The guys have been enjoying the training and are raring to go at the moment."

Bridgeport again will be relying on the likes of André Clennon, Jason Watson, Richardo Martin, Theo Brown and Kenardo Forbes. All are expected to put up a good showing for their team.