Andre McFarlane

Whenever Andre McFarlane touches the ball on a football field, the people and children of the Waterford community and school hold their collective breaths - they expect a sprinkle of brilliance from the young maestro.

McFarlane, formerly of Greater Portmore High, stamped his class against Jamaica College in the school's final preliminary round game of the ISSA/Pepsi/Digicel Manning Cup, an encounter they won 1-0 via a Theodore Thomas goal, topping Group A with 28 points, three ahead of JC (25 points).

The 19-year-old forward ended the preliminary round of the Manning Cup as his team's top goalscorer with eight goals, also getting four assists.

"It is a pleasure for me to contribute to the success of my school. I don't feel any pressure. It is my job to lift the team when they are down on confidence," McFarlane told Star Sports.

The striker, who is playing his first and last season in the Manning Cup, hopes to go out with a bang.

"We would love to win the Walker Cup, then we will go for the Manning Cup, but we need to take it one step at a time," McFarlane said.

He believes his best moment in the Manning Cup thus far is scoring the lone goal that enabled his team to defeat Camperdown 1-0 in their return match at Camperdown High School.

"It was a memorable match for me as we needed a goal, and I delivered for the team."

high praises

Waterford High's head coach, Floyd Coke, also had high praises for the young striker.

"He is easy to coach, and he listens to instructions. He is a team player. He sometimes strays, from the game plan with his flair, being as skilful as he is," Coke said.

"However, the best part is that he's disciplined and won't miss games because of suspensions," Coke added.

McFarlane, at age 16, led Spanish Town-based Police FC to the St Catherine FA U-17 League title after topping the table with 15 goals. He also copped the most valuable player award.

He hopes that his exploits this season will see the staff in the national programme sit up and take notice.

"I long to play for Jamaica," McFarlane said.

The forward also plays for Waterhouse's Under-21 team, but is on a break due to schoolboy football.