Latest update November 21st, 2024 1:00 AM
Tournament’s identity on show today
Reigning title holders Chase Academic Foundation must be oozing with 
confidence ahead of their clash against South Ruimveldt in semi-final action of the Milo Under-20 Schools Football Competition which will be played today, at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue.
The defending champions buoyancy has stemmed from the fact that their crafty strike duo Kelsey Benjamin and Ryan Hackett has hit scorching form at the right time as the competition nears completion and a return to the final is just one game away.
Hackett, who until their quarter-final engagement against North Georgetown was inconsistent, showed how important a player he is to the squad after netting a brace in what could be considered his best performance in the tournament to date and must be feeling positive for today’s fixture.
Benjamin on the other hand is clearly the team’s most potent striker, a player whose prolific goal scoring prowess is unmatched at the junior level and his performance will be key to their ambitions of reaching consecutive finals and possibly winning back to back titles.
However, it is not to say that they are the only threats on the team, it is a star-studded one and a player such as Sunil Logan, who is also deadly in the penalty area, could use the two in-form players as an inspiration to match their exploits.
On the other hand, South Ruimveldt have quietly reached this stage of the competition with few alarms and noise and while they will obviously start as underdogs they could use that tag as motivation to spring a surprise.
Just like their opponents, they coasted to a comfortable win against Christ Church and Cecil Jackman, who booted in a double and Leon Charles who netted the other goal proved that they are just as lethal as any combination in the tournament.
It promises to be a fascinating matchup and one not to miss.
The other semi-final pits former champs Lodge against Queen’s College and this encounter should provide a riveting battle for a final spot.
Both teams main characteristic is their inclination to never give up, regardless of the score-line and this trait is something that fans truly appreciate so expect a thriller.
They both escaped with penalty shootout wins against Dolphin and Bishop’s High respectively with both goalkeepers expressing their ability between the uprights.
Lodge should start as favourites to advance because of their superior experience at this stage, but QC is a very stubborn team that will not lie down and die easily.
Lodge’s Shemar Dover has looked in good form and his support will come from the likes of Frank King, Simeon Hackett and Leon Blake, while QC’s pursuit of victory will rest on the performances of Kevin Wills, Michael Hunter and Stephen King.
What is certain is that both teams are no strangers to penalty shootouts with both goalkeepers very strong between the uprights so it may be interesting to see what the respective coaching staff opt to do during regulation time.
Both games should produce the kind of fireworks that has become the identity of the tournament since its inception so fans are urged, be sure to be there.
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