Bender praises resilient Camperdown

Christopher Bender, head coach of former champions Camperdown High School, says his team showed plenty of courage and resilience to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bridgeport High School at Dunbeholden playing field yesterday. It was their opening match in Group A of the ISSA/Manning Cup football competition.

Christopher Herman scored the lone goal in the 86th minute to secure all three points for the East Kingston-based school.

Camperdown were forced to play the match with just 13 eligible players after a mix-up with the registration of some of their senior players by competition organisers ISSA.

Bender noted that he was therefore delighted that his team overcame the difficult circumstances.

“Given the circumstances, it was a very good performance from us,” said Bender. At halftime, I told them that I am proud of them. We came here with only 13 players because we had some issues with some of the better players in terms of registration challenges, and so to come here with 13 players, including our reserve goalkeeper, who I had to put on, I am extremely proud of them for this result.”

Bender added that with a number of their senior players out, the situation provided an opportunity for other players to demonstrate the mentality they have been developing.

“That is something that we are trying to instill in them as youngsters because we told them there is no excuse because we train with these players, so whatever we have, we have to use it and don’t think about who is not here,” he stated.

“We were pretty confident that we would have gotten the job done, and so I am just proud of the guys,” he said.

Bender also shared that the victory will give his young players confidence while showing that the team has some depth.

“This victory will say to them that we have a little depth in terms of the players who played today. It will give them confidence, and overall it is a good start for us in terms of the competition, like where you need a good start, and so it was extremely important to get a start. I think it will help the team going forward,” he said.

Yesterday’s Results

Denham Town 1 Edith Dalton James 2

Bridgeport 0 Camperdown 1

Norman Manley 9 Ardenne 0

Holy Trinity 2 Waterford 0

Kingston Technical 2 Donald Quarrie 2

Hillel Academy 1 Innswood 1

Penwood 3 Clan Carthy 0

St Mary’s College 3 Jose Marti 1

Jonathan Grant 2 Ascot 2