( L - R ) Calabar's Fabian McKoy, Excelsior's captain Leon Powell - Ian Allen

The stage is set for today's big showdown when defending champions Calabar meet Excelsior in the final of the Walker Cup knockout competition at the Constant Spring Oval starting at 3 p.m.

The game promises to be a thrilling affair between two traditional giants, both of whom are chasing their own place in history. Calabar will be aiming to become the first team in history to win back-to-back titles in 15 years. Excelsior will take aim at equalling St George's College's Walker Cup title record. Excelsior has already claimed six titles, with their last coming in 2004.

Excelsior and Calabar reached the final following exciting semi-final victories over Eltham and Jamaica College (JC) respectively. Calabar defeated arch rivals JC 2-0, while Excelsior registered a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Eltham.

Impressed in all departments

Both sides have impressed in all departments on their way to the final, but today's match could develop into a real battle in midfield between Calabar's Aljay Cole and Excelsior's Valentino Fogo.

Both coaches are supremely confident and Alrick Clarke said he expects a good match.

"We are pretty confident because we have a number of players who played in last year's final and they know what it takes to win and they are prepared to do that tomorrow (today)," said Clarke, who coached Norman Manley High last season.

Players are looking forward to the encounter

Clarke added that his players are looking forward to the encounter and are eager to go.

"We are mentally and physically prepared for this game, and it is just for our players to go out and execute what we have taught them in training," Clarke noted.

Excelsior coach Leebert Halliman is optimistic that his team will be up to the task and hopes to play a positive brand of football.

"We love to play good attacking football, and we hope to continue entertaining the crowd in the final," said Halliman.

"Not a lot of people expected us to get this far but we are in the final, so we are looking forward to a good game," he added.