KINGSTON, Jamaica — The ISSA Wata Manning Cup approaches its dramatic conclusion Wednesday as four critical matches will determine which two title contenders see their championship dreams extinguished in the second round’s final fixtures. The spotlight falls intensely on Group 2 and Group 4, where former champions face elimination scenarios in high-stakes encounters.
In Group 2, defending champions Kingston College (KC) confront a precarious situation, sitting third with three points. Their survival depends on defeating group leaders Calabar High, who hold four points, in a 4:15 pm clash at Stadium East. Simultaneously, second-placed Hydel High (four points) faces already-eliminated Campion College at Waterhouse Stadium. Both Hydel and Calabar require merely a draw to secure quarterfinal berths, while KC’s fate hangs on victory or hoping for Campion to upset Hydel should they manage a draw against Calabar.
The defending champions’ campaign nearly derailed initially with a loss to Hydel, but they resurrected hopes with a decisive 3-0 victory against Campion. However, overcoming a resurgent Calabar squad—reportedly among their strongest in recent years—presents a formidable challenge that could end KC’s title defense and ensure a new champion emerges, mirroring the recent DaCosta Cup upset where Garvey Maceo suffered elimination.
Group 4 delivers equally compelling drama with a historic rivalry rekindled as Mona High (three points) confronts Jamaica College (JC) (four points) in a 2:00 pm knockout duel at Stadium East. JC needs only a draw to advance, while 2023 champions Mona must secure victory to keep their title defense alive. An alternative pathway exists for Mona: advancement should they draw with JC if simultaneously Eltham High (four points) loses to winless St Jago in the parallel fixture.
This matchup carries intensified significance beyond tournament progression. Mona’s coach, Craig Butler—a former JC Manning Cup player—has openly criticized tournament organizers and officials, alleging preferential treatment toward JC over years. Tensions escalated recently when Butler received a red card following post-match protests against a referee he identified as a JC alumnus after Mona’s loss to Eltham, claiming biased officiating knowing JC would benefit.
The rivalry intensified last year when Mona supporters stormed JC’s premises during championship celebrations, adding historical context to Wednesday’s potentially season-ending confrontation. Meanwhile, Eltham High stands poised to make history, needing only a draw against St Jago to secure their first quarterfinal appearance in decades, introducing additional narrative layers to the day’s decisive matchups.