Gilbert expects a stiffer challenge to title defence

The Mountain View-based Excelsior High School have been a dominant force in recent years; however, coach Xavier Gilbert anticipates a stern challenge in their defence of the ISSA/TIP Friendly Society schoolgirls football title.

Gilbert believes the disparity between Excelsior and their title rivals is shrinking with the development of women’s football across the island.

“I think the gap has narrowed. Schools who don’t usually dominate are coming to the fore based on the opportunities that their young players are getting.

“There is a lot of girls academies across Jamaica, so we anticipate that the gap is going to be narrowed and some good players coming through the ranks in the high school system,” Gilbert said.

The champions start the defence of their title on Friday in the second of a doubleheader at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex. Gilbert remains confident they will retain their title. He will depend on the individual talent within his squad to prove the difference throughout the season.

Excelsior have produced several young talents who have represented the Reggae Girlz at both youth and senior level, and Gilbert said this year will be much of the same.

“I think we’ll have a good showing this season again. We should retain the title, and that’s our objective for the season. Yes, for this year, we still have some quality youngsters that we think will matriculate to the U-17 and U20 levels and even at the U-15 level.

“They have this platform to showcase their talent, and we just hope that they make the best use of it and make the necessary transition moving forward,” Gilbert said.

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