Ocho Rios’ Brown fully focused on Ben Francis KO title

When the road to redemption continues today in the ISSA Ben Francis KO quarterfinals, Ocho Rios High's leading goal scorer Kaniel Brown has one thing on his mind, to keep their title dreams intact.

All four quarterfinal matches kick off at 3 p.m., including an eagerly anticipated encounter between former champions McGrath High and Ocho Rios at the Ewarton Sports Complex in St Catherine.

With his mother and coach being his biggest motivators, Brown said he is aiming to make them proud.

"We are not rich, so I have to go out there and do my very best and be the bread winner," said Brown.

"I want to make sure I achieve that. My coach has been telling me I can do it so I believe it," added Brown.

Having already scored 24 goals this season in his final year, the 18-year-old told STAR Sports he wants to help create history for his team.

"I want to make my final year count for something. We want to be the first team in St Ann to win a trophy, so we are now fully focused on the Ben Francis title" said Brown.

"I know it will be tough but I also want to finish the season scoring as many goals as possible and push my teammates to do their best," Brown added.

In their first round game in the Ben Francis, it was a brilliant last minute freekick from Brown that pushed Ocho Rios in the quarterfinals.

Asked how passionate he is about football, Brown said he finds himself at peace when on the pitch.

"I am passionate to the maximum, it brings me joy when I am playing. If I have things on my mind, I play to forget about it. It is just a different feeling. I would love to play professionally overseas like in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States," said Brown.

The young striker started playing football at age 12 and was influenced by his coach Veron Peterkin.

"Growing up I would attend games with my brother and he would teach me some things. It was when I went to high school, I met coach Peterkin and he taught me the basics to get more advanced," said Brown.

Ahead of today's game Ocho Rios have scored 71 goals and conceded 20.

As for the passage of Hurricane Melissa that ravaged sections of the island, Brown noted that training has been challenging but he has been improving.

With the zeal to do his best, the hard-working striker said he is working on his game.

"I am working on my passes and trying to get more comfortable infront of the goal where I can create more opportunities," said an optimistic Brown.

TODAY'S GAMES

Clarendon College vs Garvey Maceo at Clarendon

McGrath vs Ocho Rios at Ewarton Sports Complex

Cornwall College vs Manchester High at Cornwall

Christiana vs Mannings at Manchester

All games kick off at 3 p.m.