‘TRUE TEST’ - Waterhouse coach sees Portmore face-off as proof of pedigree
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Donovan Duckie. Photo - Gladstone Taylor
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Donovan Duckie. Photo - Gladstone Taylor
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Mario Simms (right) of Waterhouse dribbles away from Tramain Graham of Humble Lion during their Jamaica Premier League match at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex in Kingston on September 21. Waterhouse won 5-0. Photo - Antoine Lodge
Waterhouse coach Donovan Duckie believes today’s rescheduled Jamaica Premier League match against defending champions Portmore United at Ferdi Neita Park at 3:30 p.m. will provide a true measure of his team’s title credentials.
Waterhouse have been perfect so far this season, winning all three matches, scoring 13 goals and conceding none, including a 6-0 demolition of Chapelton Maroons on Monday.
Despite the impressive start, Duckie believes his team must prove they can compete with the league’s best if they are serious about going all the way.
“If you are harbouring thoughts of being champions, a true test will be the best team, and we are looking forward to playing against Portmore.
“They are playing in Concacaf. They are playing at a high level and it’s is important for us to measure up,” he commented.
Waterhouse are second in the table on nine points, one behind leaders Montego Bay United, and Duckie said the focus is on maintaining high standards.
“What we are trying to do at Waterhouse is stick to our core principles and values. Football is bigger than Jamaica Premier League. We are playing in Concacaf. So we are representing the nation also. So we want to exemplify a certain standard so we can bring it on the international level,” he added.
Portmore are seventh in the standings with four points from two games and, despite the quick turnaround from Monday’s 1-1 draw with Arnett Gardens and a Caribbean Cup semi-final on the horizon, coach Rodolph Austin is banking on mental readiness.
“It’s a mental thing. We are here because we did well last season. We put ourselves here. So we have to go out and play because we put ourselves in the Caribbean Cup. So by doing that it brings a lot of games. So we have to be mentally ready for it,” he said.
“We came here tonight (Monday), didn’t start well. Gave up an easy goal but nicked a point at the end. As a coach, you want to win every game, but you are playing against a team that want to win,” he said.
livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com