Kingston College and Calabar High School teams.
Dwayne Richards
In a celebration of legacy and the beautiful game, the 13th edition of the David “Wagga” Hunt (DWH) Football Classic is set to ignite the Mona Bowl, UWI in St. Andrew, Jamaica, on Saturday, August 12, 2023. A thrilling triple-header will kick off at 2:00 p.m., promising a day of football fervor and camaraderie that transcends rivalries.
Amid the picturesque backdrop of the Mona Bowl, fans will witness a captivating display of football prowess, kicking off with a scintillating clash between Shortwood United FC, a 2023 KSAFA Major League Semi-Finalist, and JDF, the 2023 KSAFA Major League Winner. This encounter is anticipated to set the stage ablaze, setting the tone for an electrifying afternoon.
As the sun dips below the horizon, the stage will be set for the masters’ game, pitting Pelicans FC against the Kingston Commissioners. It's a clash that promises nostalgia and passion, as seasoned players bring their skills to the field.
However, the crescendo of the afternoon will resonate through the much-anticipated annual showdown for the DWH trophy. Kingston College (KC) and Calabar High School (C’bar) will lock horns in a Manning Cup clash that transcends mere competition. This timeless rivalry holds a special place in the hearts of fans, with the winner not only claiming victory but also embodying the spirit of unity and respect.
A significant highlight of the event will be the presentation of the Paulette C. Rhoden trophy to the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Manning Cup game. The late Mrs. Rhoden, former patron of the event, left an indelible mark on the football community. This year, Ambassador Stewart Stephenson, Past-President of KSAFA, assumes the role of patron, adding to the event's prestige.
Amidst the excitement, the classic will pay homage to the late Bancroft "Banky" Gordon, a true football luminary. As a former Excelsior High School Manning Cup player, his legacy transcended the field, with academic brilliance and a humanitarian spirit. His memory will be etched into the proceedings, with a plaque presented to Shortwood United FC, a team he graced with his exceptional talent.
The DWH Football Classic isn't just a day of thrilling football; it's a testament to the power of sport in shaping lives. Established in 2009 by the David "Wagga" Hunt Scholarship Foundation, the event is both commemorative and a fundraiser. It serves to honor the legacy of David "Wagga" Hunt, an alumnus of Kingston College, who revived Calabar High School's football program, guiding them to their first Manning Cup title in 28 years.
As the games unfold, the spirit of unity and camaraderie will flourish. The mantra "we can be rivals but not enemies," echoes the late David "Wagga" Hunt's philosophy, fostering a culture of friendly rivalry and respect. Beyond football, Hunt's legacy extends to various sporting disciplines, including track and field, where he pioneered the Champs Preview Magazine, chronicling the achievements of athletes at the ISSA High School Boys & Girls Championships.
The younger brother of David Hunt, Christopher Hunt, Co-Chair of the foundation, shared his pride in the Foundation's accomplishments. In an exciting development, the annual scholarship disbursement per recipient will increase from J$100,000 to J$150,000 in the upcoming school year, along with grants of J$500,000 to each school for a project of their choice.
The anticipation is palpable, as Jamaica-based Co-Chair Arnold "Dullo" McDonald expressed gratitude to faithful supporters over the years. Overcoming the challenges of the past three years, the event is set to shine brighter than ever. The afternoon promises to be an unforgettable blend of football, memories, and shared purpose, a fitting tribute to a great Jamaican and a meaningful cause.
Corporate donors like VM Group, Supreme Ventures Limited, Proven Wealth, and overseas sponsors like GraceKennedy Foods (USA), Steuart Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, and Spencer Financial have rallied behind the foundation's mission.
The public is invited to partake in this afternoon of camaraderie, with a contribution of J$1,000 for adults and J$500 for students with ID.
Hurtig the hero after late goal sends Arsenal into Champions League quarters
Lina Hurtig's 89th minute winner ensured Arsenal progressed to the quarter-finals of the Women's Champions League after edging Juventus 1-0 on Thursday.
After being frustrated for large parts of the encounter, Hurtig bundled home from close range after Martina Lenzini's poor clearance to book the Gunners' place in the last eight.
Despite Arsenal dominating the early exchanges, it was Juventus who had the first sight of goal, though Eva Schatzer's effort was easy for Daphne van Domselaar to gather.
In a first half that saw just two shots on target, both coming from the visitors, Renee Slegers' substitutes proved to be the difference for Arsenal.
Slegers introduced Beth Mead, Stina Blackstenius and Hurtig late on, with the latter somehow putting Kim Little's cross over the bar from five yards out.
However, the Swede would atone for her earlier error, combining with fellow substitute Blackstenius to net against her former club and send them out of the competition with two group games remaining.
Meanwhile, in Group D, Barcelona edged closer to the quarter-finals of the competition with a convincing 4-1 victory over St. Polten at the Generali Arena.
The reigning champions are still three points behind Manchester City following their 2-1 win over Hammarby, and know a win against the Swedes next month will see them progress.
Kika Nazareth opened the scoring in the 20th minute after capitalising on a mistake by Kamila Dubcova, notching her second nine minutes later from close range.
Barca found themselves three goals up at the break when Vicky Lopez netted her first goal in the competition to put the result beyond doubt.
There was also a landmark moment for Alexia Putellas, who netted her 200th goal for the club with a well-taken effort into the far corner.
Valentina Madl took some of the shine off an otherwise impressive display from the visitors, who have now taken their tally to 20 goals from their four matches in the competition.
Guardiola agrees two-year contract extension with Man City
Pep Guardiola will be Manchester City manager for at least two more seasons after 2024-25, after he signed a two-year contract extension on Thursday.
The 53-year-old was coming to the end of his City deal, which was due to expire at the end of the current campaign, but he has opted to remain at the Etihad Stadium.
The deal itself will take Guardiola's tenure at the club to over a decade, making him City's longest-serving manager since Les McDowall in 1963.
There had been suggestions that he may leave at the end of the season following the announcement that director of football Txiki Begiristain was on his way out.
Guardiola was strongly linked with the England job after Gareth Southgate resigned in the wake of their Euro 2024 final defeat, but the Football Association appointed Thomas Tuchel last month.
“Manchester City means so much to me," Guardiola said. “This is my ninth season here; we have experienced so many amazing times together. I have a really special feeling for this football club.
“That is why I am so happy to be staying for another two more seasons.
“Thank you to everyone for continuing to trust and support me – The Owner, The Chairman Khaldoon, Ferran, Txiki, the players and, of course, the fans… everyone connected to Manchester City. It has always been an honour, a pleasure and a privilege to be here.
“I have said this many times before, but I have everything a manager could ever wish for, and I appreciate that so much.
“Hopefully, now we can add more trophies to the ones we have already won. That will be my focus.”
Having been appointed in 2016, Guardiola is by some distance Manchester City's most successful manager of all time, having won 18 major trophies during his time at the club.
That list includes their first-ever Champions League triumph in 2023 and six Premier League titles, including an unprecedented four on the spin.
He also boasts a 72.04% win percentage across all competitions, which is unsurprisingly the highest of any full-time City manager in history.
Shaw at the double as Man City progress in Champions League
Khadija Shaw scored twice as Manchester City beat Hammarby 2-1 to seal their place in the Women's Champions League quarter-finals.
Gareth Taylor's team entered Thursday's game with a perfect record in Group D, and their fourth win in as many European matches ensured they finished in the top two.
Shaw—the leading scorer in the Women's Super League this season with eight goals—put them ahead in the 31st minute, driving into the area after taking in Yui Hasegawa's pass before seeing her shot deflect into the top corner.
Shaw was booked for celebrating in front of the home fans despite appearing to have objects thrown at her from the stands, and Hammarby should have levelled when Julia Blakstad fired wide 10 minutes later.
The hosts did draw level three minutes into the second half as Ellen Wangerheim tapped home while City's Laura Blindkilde Brown was down appealing for a free-kick.
That parity was short-lived, though, as Shaw blasted into the top corner from 25 yards out, taking her overall tally for this season to 12 goals in all competitions.
In Group C, meanwhile, Bayern Munich lost their perfect record as they played out a 1-1 draw with Valerenga, boosting Arsenal's hopes of topping the pile.
Jovana Damnjanovic came off the bench to put Bayern ahead 15 minutes from time in Norway, but Elise Thorsnes headed home following an 88th-minute corner to snatch a point for the hosts.
Arsenal could now move within a point of Bayern when they face Juventus in Group C's other match later on Thursday.
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