Manning Cup glory just the start for ambitious Broderick

HEAD coach of Excelsior High, Keon Broderick, says it is a long-held dream of his to one day coach at the national level after guiding the school to its first ISSA/WATA Manning Cup title in 21 years last Saturday.

Excelsior produced a composed and disciplined performance to defeat Jamaica College (JC) 2-0 in the final at the National Stadium, ending a two-decade wait for the prestigious title and cementing Broderick's place among the competition's youngest successful coaches.

Broderick, 37, was elated by the achievement and believes the triumph could be a major turning point in his coaching journey.

"This means a great deal to me because everybody coaches the game to win and to win at a fairly young age is always good. This is basically a stepping stone for things that can happen in the future that can not only upgrade me but also the persons around me as well," said Broderick.

The former Vauxhall High School coach, who is currently an assistant coach at former Jamaica Premier League champions Harbour View, noted that coaching at the national level has always been one of his biggest ambitions.

"Definitely that is something that is always my dream. To represent my country and to coach my country at any level is always something that I dream about and so getting an opportunity to coach a national team is something that I hope for," he said.

Broderick, who is in his third year as head coach of Excelsior also reflected on the challenges faced along the way, stating that not everyone within the school community initially believed in the programme or the players but he remained confident in his methods and in the talent at his disposal.

"This year has been a lot smoother than my first year. My first year was very challenging but that is water under the bridge now and I don't wish to speak about them as I have move on. The only way we could have won the Manning Cup is by overcoming those challenges and doubters and the persons who did not believe in this programme," Broderick underscored.

Central to Excelsior's success were co-captains Terrence Williams and Kimarly Scott, both of whom followed Broderick from Vauxhall High and played pivotal roles throughout the competition.

"The two co-captains, Terrence Williams and Kimarly Scott, came with me from Vauxhall and these boys have never failed me yet and they showed in the semifinals and final that they are the leaders of the team," said Broderick.

Williams and Scott were both on the scoresheet in the semifinals, while Scott also netted in the final against JC to help seal th win.

He also praised the overall balance of his squad, pointing to the blend of youth internationals and dependable performers.

"It is a solid team and we have a couple national youth players and those who are not national players are all solid players," Broderick highlighted.