Shayne Fairman, Star Writer

Jamaica College coach Miguel Coley says he is looking for team effort and hunger from his returning and new players in their march towards a successful Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association /FLOW Manning Cup title defence.

After drawing its opening game 2-2 with Calabar, themselves former champions of the competition,

Coley underlined that the focus is to keep working hard and improving where necessary as the season drags on.

"It is what it is; we didn't start well. we have to work on the finish now, keep our nose in front and just continue working hard," he assessed.

The starting eleven would seem weaker this season compared to last year, with the likes of last season's Manning Cup top goal scorer Junior Flemmings, goal keeper Courtney Dowdie, Sheldon Mckoy, Akeam Shackleford and Jamal Purcell among others having left the school.

However, Coley is intrigued by the team's potential, while noting that the ambition remains the same - to win.

"We are shifting and changing and we are trying to put in the pieces in place, so going forward, we are looking better and better and that will be good for us," Coley continued. "The team is a good one (and just needs the) killer instincts to be instilled."

They are seeking to defend a total of three trophies; Manning Cup, Olivier Shield and the Lime Super Cup.

"Just to throw it out there, I think we are too easy, we are not being tested somewhat, especially our defenders, but they (players) have to continue pushing themselves and have personal goals and stuff like that, that they want to achieve," added Coley.

Far ahead

On Monday, JC eased past Clan Carthy at home 4-0, and prior to that they stopped St Catherine 3-1.They have seven points from three games so far, ahead of Saturday's clash against lowly Tivoli Gardens at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex.

"Each game, we are looking at players who can be that go-to person for us. Going forward, it's just to work on the team overall and continue improving," stressed Coley, who is also the national assistant coach.

Two outstanding JC newcomers include Norman Campbell formerly of Clan Carthy, who plays forward and midfielder Chevaun Crooks formerly of Charlie Smith.