Chase or Waramuri?: Milo U18 Champions to be decided today

A clash of epic proportions is expected at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground this afternoon, as Chase’s Academic Foundation and Waramuri Primary Top battle for a chance to lift the championship trophy in the 10th edition of the Milo Schools’ Under-18 Football tournament.
Both teams booked their spots in today’s final in contrasting fashion on Thursday last, at the same Carifesta Avenue venue.
Chase’s Academy eased past President’s College 4-0, while Waramuri came from behind to topple Dolphin Secondary on penalties, 4-3.
However, today’s final contest will not be as easy for both sides.

In the semi-final, Waramuri proved to be a force to reckon with in the second half, as their entire team held their composure and maintained fitness levels for the complete 90 minutes. In addition, wingers Zundel Abrams and Denzil Abrams have been lightning fast in their positions and add to the prolific scoring prowess that midfielder and captain, Odell Holmes brings to the team.
On the other hand, Chase’s Academy boast a number of national Under-20 talents, the likes of Omar Sam, Bryan Wharton, Tyrel Walcott, and Duquain Samuels who have worked together to keep the side unbeaten. Given that this team have kept a clean sheet all tournament, the opposition will find their biggest challenge in breaking down their defence.

Speaking at a pre- match press conference on Saturday afternoon, Petra Organisation Co-Director Troy Mendonca spoke highly of the two teams in today’s final, as he envisioned an exciting clash.
Mendonca related, “Come tomorrow [today], we anticipate a very good game for our finals. Looking at all the teams that participate this year, I think everyone would’ve upped their level in terms of preparation and organisation and while I don’t want to sound as a favourite, the efforts that the management for Waramuri make to be here, it must be compliments, and also the investment that Mr Chase normally do in his academy must be complimented also.

“Tomorrow [today], we expect nothing else but a lot of energy, a lot of skills gonna be on display, a lot of tactical know- how. I just want to wish both teams the best and may the best team win,” the Petra Co- Director went on to add.
As the captains of the two finalists faced off, both expressed an intention to put on a show.
Chase’s Academy’s Bryan Wharton shared, “So far, I think it’s a very exciting tournament, challenging also. Congrats to all the teams that participate in the tournament and I think it’s a good showdown in the finals tomorrow [today].”
Wharton further stated, “The preparation towards this tournament for my team, I think it’s been pretty good. Everybody coming out on the training pitch and doing exactly what the coach asked for. So, yeah, I think it’s going to be a really good game tomorrow [today].”
Meanwhile, Waramuri’s Odell Holmes said, “Well, so far, I think the tournament is great. I’d like to say congrats to Chase and my team. I saw Chase and they have been playing good football, so, I’m hoping for a really good match in tomorrow’s [today’s] final.”
Tonight’s final is set to kick off at 19:00h. However, prior to that showdown Dolphin Secondary and President’s College will vie for the third position, beginning at 17:00h.
The Milo Champions will cart off $300,000 while second place settle for $200,000. Third place will receive $150,000, while the fourth-place finisher pocket $75,000. All the prizes will go towards a school project of the school’s choice.