Dunoon Technical's goalkeeper, Carlton Graham, makes a save against St George's College's Kemal Malcolm (centre), while Dunoon's captain Jerome Robinson looks on in their Manning Cup encounter at Winchester Park. Malcolm scored four goals as St. George's won 5-2.

ARMED WITH a quick turn of pace and the ability to drive the ball goalwards at tremendous velocity, St George's High forward Kemal Malcolm has all the attributes that could make a successful season for both himself and his team.

This week, Malcolm hit the back of the net four times to get the 'Light Blues' of North Street off to a tremendous Manning Cup start with a 5-2 win over Dunoon. That feat saw the 18-year-old awarded The Gleaner Performer of the Week.

The striker's goals came in the sixth, 40th, 58th and 89th minutes. Last season, a solid St George's team found itself unable to advance from the first round in a tough group which also comprised quarter-finalists Norman Manley and beaten finalists Bridgeport.

However, having retained some key players, Malcolm included, St George's cannot be estimated and could have as good a chance as any of lifting the Manning Cup title. Malcolm, who is taking part in his final year of schoolboy football, will have a big role to play.

St George's, who have won the title 18 times, the second most of any team in schoolboy history, last won the crown in 1992.

- Kwesi Mugisa