Maldon High Achieves Historic Qualification in ISSA/Wata daCosta Cup
St James, Jamaica— In a thrilling climax filled with emotions and drama, Maldon High School made history by advancing to the Round of 32 in the ISSA/Wata daCosta Cup football competition. This significant milestone marks the first time the South St James school has progressed so far in the competition, a feat achieved under the dedicated leadership of head coach Dillon Thelwell.
The memorable draw against Green Pond High, played at the Granville Community Centre, was a testament to Maldon’s resilience and determination. Entering the match, both teams were neck-and-neck, each vying for that coveted spot in the next round. Green Pond took an 85th-minute lead through Garth-Dane Bromwell, a late goal that momentarily seemed to edge them closer to victory. However, Maldon’s fighting spirit shone through as Domonique Clarke, a late substitute, scored in the dying seconds of added time, bringing the score to a nail-biting 1-1.
The atmosphere was electric, charged with anticipation and raw emotion. Thelwell, still processing the magnitude of their achievement shortly after the final whistle, watched his players overcome with tears and jubilation—their dreams realized. “The players were crying even before the game ended; they truly wanted to move to the next round,” shared Thelwell. “We’ve achieved success at the Under-14 and Under-16 levels before, but this daCosta Cup advancement is unprecedented for us.”
Maldon’s qualification was ultimately secured through a superior goal difference—edging Green Pond eight to five—as both teams concluded the round with 19 points each. In the upcoming second round, Maldon High is set to face formidable opponents including Munro College, Brown’s Town High, and most likely Alphansus Davis High from Zone G.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Thelwell emphasized the strength of Maldon’s offensive capabilities, noting, “We have one of the best attacking forces in the zone, capable of scoring at decisive moments.” This confidence played a crucial role during critical junctures of the game, allowing Maldon to maintain hope until the very last kick.
This achievement places Maldon High firmly on the map, demonstrating significant progress and potential within the school’s sports program. For Thelwell, who also contributes to Montego Bay United, this victory not only marks a major milestone for the team but also sets a precedent for future success.
As Maldon High basks in the glory of its historic qualification, the community eagerly awaits the challenges of the next round, hopeful of further triumphs in what is proving to be an exciting daCosta Cup journey.
