With his charges one victory away from clinching the KFC Goodwill International Football Championship in their maiden appearance, Richard Palmer, manager of Jamaican outfit Clarendon College, said that the event has significance and that it will add value to the local football scene.
In a brief interview with Stabroek Sport, Palmer, when asked about his thoughts about the competition, said, “I think it’s a good tournament, and once it’s properly organised, I don’t mind attending, as it’s a good experience for the boys, and travelling is always a beauty. We have a culture, a philosophy, and a structure that make us successful, and we have to stick to them wherever and whenever we represent them. I believe that it’s a good thing for developmental football in Guyana.”
Clarendon College will face off against Trinidad and Tobago’s St. Benedict’s College today for the coveted title at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue. The undefeated Jamaican unit dismissed Surinamese side VW04 by a 4-0 score in the semi-final on Tuesday at the aforesaid venue to earn their opportunity at gold.
Asked what more can be implemented to take the tournament to the next level, Palmer revealed, “What I would suggest is that when you invite a school, let it be the actual school team and don’t have an age limit rule.”
He revealed that the Jamaican structure is based around the u19 age limit and that the KFC Championship encompasses the u18 level, which renders several members of his title-winning team ineligible from participating.
He explained, “When you play against better players, it makes your players better. Playing against players of similar quality, you learn nothing,” he said, noting that his charges compete against club sides and national teams as part of their preparatory phase and pre-season exercise.
According to Palmer, Clarendon College advocates for education and the intellectual development of players, which, in his estimation, creates a safety net for individuals who might not progress to the professional realm.
He noted that the acquisition of scholarships to North American institutions is the principal focus of the programme, as it serves the dual purpose of providing a platform for possible professional and educational opportunities.
Palmer further stated that this is the best approach for the development of not only the sport but the players, adding, “The success of the kids is my joy. I want to create life success stories.”
