St Elizabeth Technical High's coach, Andrew Edwards, posing with his mother, Lorna Lawson, at Jarrett Park last Saturday, shortly after his team won the daCosta Cup. St Elizabeth beat first-time finalists Manchester High 1-0. - Richard Bryan

Success, on many occasions, hides the inner battles a coach has to endure in pursuit of objectives that seem largely more important to others - fans, players or those who fund a football programme.

Minutes after the referee's final whistle announced St Elizabeth Technical High School's (STETHS) third hold on the daCosta Cup, there were frenzied requests for interviews. As the evening wore on amidst the monotonous sound of Dutch pots being beaten, winning coach Andrew Edwards looked unusually subdued.

well-earned victory

For someone who should be celebrating a well-earned victory after only two years on the job, there was hardly any explosive show of emotion. Later as he found time to hug his mom Lorna Lawson who had journeyed from Kingston to watch the game, the truth would be painfully revealed.

One important person was missing from the scene. "Right now I can't fully express how I feel," Edwards told STAR Sports.

Edwards, a 34 year-old university graduate who majored in geography and international relations, had lost his wife earlier this year after she succumbed to illness, a mere seven months into their marriage.

"Teaching and football are my passions," revealed Edwards, who added that the personal triumph at STETHS was part of his healing process and central to his ambitions.

frustrated at alma mater

"I have to be realistic but I try to not let tragedy drive my life. She would have wanted to get up and achieve this kind of success."

The decision to come to STETHS at the start of last season, was an important game-changer for Edwards, who revealed he was frustrated at his alma mater, Titchfield.

"The truth is, when the offer came (to teach and coach at STETHS), I was in a state of despondency at Titchfield. They were not going the way I wanted. I had met my wife around that time and she agreed with me it was the right decision to make. Unfortunately she couldn't be here to actually see what has transpired, but that's life."

STETHS's rise from merely potential quarter-finalists, according to most pundits at the start of the season, attests to Edwards' ability as a coach. The years since their last triumph under Downswell in 1999 had been frustrating, especially when one considers that the school boasted a good programme. Both newly-appointed principal Keith Wellington and Downswell who was specially drafted after the first round to assist, paid tribute to the role Edwards has played in the team's success.

"The very first decision I made as principal was to appoint Edwards," Wellington told STAR Sports. "He was the first person I interviewed and and employed and I knew then it was always going to be a good decision."

In his second year at the helm, he now harbours thoughts of years of future success at football.

"The plan was to win in 2011," revealed Wellington. "Now that the success has come early, we can now build a football dynasty like we have done with cricket. The programme will still be strong as only three players will leave this team."

no difficulty

Downswell identified Edwards as a good coaching prospect and said he has had no difficulty working with him.

"Andrew Edwards is a good prospect and has a bright future. I came in after they lost 3-2 to Munro. He is in charge of the team, but he listens to the advice I give and we work well together."

The partnership is expected to be the cornerstone of STETHS's football programme, as Downswell will serve as technical director for football (male and female) with Edwards as head coach of the daCosta Cup team, Wellington disclosed.

STETHS will meet Manning Cup champions St George's College in the first leg of the Olivier Shield tomorrow in Santa Cruz. Match time is 3:00 p.m. The second and final leg will be played at Harbour View Stadium on Saturday.

( l - r ) Keith Wellington, Wendell Downswell - file photos

'The plan was to win in 2011, revealed Wellington. Now that the success has come early, we can now build a football dynasty like we have done with cricket.'