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“[…] I grew up in a football family… Since I started walking, I knew I wanted to play football…”
Presentation College (San Fernando) did not pick up any silverware for their 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Premier Division campaign.
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868.
However, team captain and centre forward Isaiah “Baby Hulk” Jacob certainly left his mark. No other player in the Premier Division era has broken the 20-goal barrier.
Jacob scored 22 league items (10 more than the second highest scorers, Kyle James and Immanual Wright of Signal Hill Secondary) and five in the Intercol.
The prolific front man took time to speak to Wired868 intern Mawasi Cobus:
How old are you and what year were you born?
I’m 19 years old. I was born on the 31st of May 2006.
What is your hometown?
I live in Point Fortin.
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868.
How would you describe yourself as a person?
I would say that I’m a very kind and humble person.
Is there anything about you that people do not know?
When people see me, their first impression, they might think I am a serious person but that is not true. I am a very cool, humble person who likes to make jokes and laugh a lot.
What pushes you to be successful?
My family, mostly. I hope to one day make them so proud and get them in a better environment and just do my best to make them comfortable and happy.
Who is your favorite football player?
My favourite football player is Cristiano Ronaldo because of his hard work and determination.
Which is your favourite team?
My favourite football team is Liverpool.
What was your best moment in football so far?
In 2023, when we won the National Intercol final against St Anthony’s College.
What makes you stand out? Describe yourself as a player.
I would say my speed and my finishing ability.
When did you first realise football was something you wanted to take seriously?
I grew up in a football family, so I can say from since birth. Since I started walking, I knew I wanted to play football.
Ackeel Jacob is the elder brother of curren Presentation captain Isaiah Jacob.
Photo: Allan V Crane/ CA-Images/ Wired868.
Who has had the biggest influence on your development as a player?
I would say the coaches that I have around me, especially Coach [Shawn] Cooper who has helped me and the team to reach our full potential. And, most importantly, my family, those who supported me and continue to support me.
What’s the story behind your nickname “Baby Hulk”?
It’s actually a nickname that was passed on to me from my brother, and eventually, everyone started calling me that. He is the one who noticed my strength and potential at a very young age—that’s why he gave me that name.
When you’re leading the attack, what’s going through your mind in those key moments?
My thoughts are just to get that ball in the net and score a goal. Sometimes in a game, it’s only one chance you’ll get, so you have to analyse your moves and take that shot.
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868.
As captain, how do you balance leading the team and being a main goal-scorer?
Well, I think, as my duty, my main objective is to lead the team. And as the striker, I try my best to produce goals. I just try to do my job to the best of my ability.
What part of your game are you most focused on improving right now?
I would say my positioning on the field. Sometimes I feel like I can be a little off position when it’s time to receive the ball from my teammate.
How do you mentally prepare for high-pressure matches?
I usually get mentally prepared by listening to music. I listen to any type of music that I feel like at the moment; I don’t specifically have one type that I like.
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868.
What did you enjoy about the SSFL competition?
I enjoyed the environment, just seeing everyone excited to play. I think it is a great competition.
What does representing Presentation College San Fernando mean to you personally?
It actually means a lot. My brother also attended Presentation College, and I saw how much football meant to him. I knew that after he left, I had to take up that role to make him proud.
Which match this season has been your most memorable so far, and why?
It would have to be the Intercol semifinals against St Benedict’s College. Just the atmosphere alone was intriguing. When we won 2–0 against them, I was excited that we dominated the game. It was a great feeling.
Everyone knew they had to put their best foot forward to secure that win. I believe everyone gave their very best. We all took the instructions from the coach, and the output was successful.
- Presentation College (San F’do) forward Isaiah Jacob puts his team ahead in their South Zone Intercol semifinal contest against St Benedict’s College on 24 November 2025.
Who are the people in your life who help keep you grounded and motivated?
I would say my family, coaches, some of the staff at school, and of course, the ‘Pres’ supporters.
Do you see yourself continuing football after secondary school, and what path are you hoping to take?
I am focusing on probably getting a scholarship or, maybe even better, a contract after this season. I would also like to play in the Pro League and see how it goes from there.
What advice would you give to young persons who want to achieve in football?
To never stop believing in yourself, and once you love football, go at it.
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868.
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Mawasi Cobus is a final-year Mass Communications student at Costaatt who holds an Associate of Applied Science in Journalism and Public Relations. She is passionate about storytelling and media, and enjoys reading and watching documentaries, which continue to shape her curiosity and strengthen her analytical perspective.
