Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum
Sports => Football => Topic started by: Tallman on January 13, 2016, 05:39:25 AM
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Antigua to host 2016 Caribbean Cup draw
Antigua Observer
Sixty representatives from the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) will attend the draw for the 2016 Men’s Caribbean Cup to be held in Antigua on Saturday.
The draw, which will be streamed live on cfufootball.org, will be staged at Jolly Beach Resort & Spa at 9pm. Twenty-six countries will contest the 2016 edition, which is sponsored by Scotiabank.
The competition is scheduled to take place during officially sanctioned FIFA international match periods, giving member associations the opportunity to select their best-possible teams. The event kicks off in March. Haiti, Jamaica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago will not take part as they are participating in FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Round two is scheduled for May; round three in October; the fifth place play-off in November, and the finals in May 2017. The top four teams will qualify to the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
In addition to the 2016 Men’s Caribbean Cup draw, the CFU member associations will gather for a general meeting over a long weekend that opens on Friday with a cocktail reception hosted by Antigua & Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
The general meeting will be held through the day on Saturday. Between Saturday and Monday morning, the CFU delegates will hear from FIFA presidential candidates Jérôme Champagne, HRH Prince Ali Al Hussein and Gianni Infantino, three of the five candidates who accepted the invitation to present their programmes and answer questions posed by CFU member associations.
Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, whose schedule did not permit his presence at the meeting, has submitted a letter to be shared at the session.
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Wait! The finals of the 2016 Caribbean Cup is in May 2017?
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what do they mean when they said that we will not take part because of world cup qualifying, isn't jamaica and haiti involved as well in world cup qualifying?
and didn't they just kept a caribbean cup finals in antigua the just before they had it in jamaica, while we haven't host the darn thing since 2007 and with the best facilities added to that, what is really going on with CFU are they for real?
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This is a mess. There's no way we not involved.
Maybe they talking about some teams having a bye for the early rounds. We need a more knowledgable report.
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This is a mess. There's no way we not involved.
Maybe they talking about some teams having a bye for the early rounds. We need a more knowledgable report.
I feel there is some misreporting here. If they don't participate in the CFU, how are they going to qualify or the next GC?
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what do they mean when they said that we will not take part because of world cup qualifying, isn't jamaica and haiti involved as well in world cup qualifying?
and didn't they just kept a caribbean cup finals in antigua the just before they had it in jamaica, while we haven't host the darn thing since 2007 and with the best facilities added to that, what is really going on with CFU are they for real?
Umm... they did say that Jamaica and Haiti won't be involved in round 1... also they never said that the tournament is playing in Antigua, just the draw. ::)
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what do they mean when they said that we will not take part because of world cup qualifying, isn't jamaica and haiti involved as well in world cup qualifying?
and didn't they just kept a caribbean cup finals in antigua the just before they had it in jamaica, while we haven't host the darn thing since 2007 and with the best facilities added to that, what is really going on with CFU are they for real?
I does really feel sorry for you yes. Yuh may want to read the original post again
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Surely it means the 4 involved will get a bye to the later rounds.
I really hope the TTFA are doing everything in their power to host the tournament. We've been to the last 2 finals and it's our time to host it now. We have the best facilities in the Caribbean..that pitch in Jamaica was a total joke in 2014.
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Surely it means the 4 involved will get a bye to the later rounds.
I really hope the TTFA are doing everything in their power to host the tournament. We've been to the last 2 finals and it's our time to host it now. We have the best facilities in the Caribbean..that pitch in Jamaica was a total joke in 2014.
You mean to say we have to host it in order to win. We that bad?
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Surely it means the 4 involved will get a bye to the later rounds.
I really hope the TTFA are doing everything in their power to host the tournament. We've been to the last 2 finals and it's our time to host it now. We have the best facilities in the Caribbean..that pitch in Jamaica was a total joke in 2014.
You to say we have to host it in order to win. We that bad?
We that bad.When last we win?
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No it's just about time for us to host it. We have not since 2007. We've been to two consecutive finals and we also have the best facilities to host it.
Get it done TTFA.
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No it's just about time for us to host it. We have not since 2007. We've been to two consecutive finals and we also have the best facilities to host it.
Get it done TTFA.
We should be able to win at home and away. Every time this tournament comes around, is something or the other. Injuries, can't get overseas players because the clubs don't want them to play in a shit arse tournament, players reaching less than 5 days before tournament, players not being paid. Change of coaches at the last minute, lack of sponsors to defray the cost, team reaching late for tournament, etc. Allyuh can add some more.
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what do they mean when they said that we will not take part because of world cup qualifying, isn't jamaica and haiti involved as well in world cup qualifying?
and didn't they just kept a caribbean cup finals in antigua the just before they had it in jamaica, while we haven't host the darn thing since 2007 and with the best facilities added to that, what is really going on with CFU are they for real?
I does really feel sorry for you yes. Yuh may want to read the original post again
thanks for your concern.
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LIVE STREAMING (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/abs-television) of the 2016 Caribbean Cup draw
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LIVE STREAMING (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/abs-television) of the 2016 Caribbean Cup draw
:beermug: :beermug:
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T&T gets Caribbean Cup first round bye.
By Shaun Fuentes (TTFA).
Trinidad and Tobago Senior Men’s Team has received a first round bye for the 2016 Caribbean Cup.
T&T, along with the other three countries still involved in 2018 World Cup qualifier, Jamaica, Haiti and St Vincent/Grenadines, all received byes. T&T were runners up in 2012 and 2014.
The Draw for the competition was held poolside at Sugar Ridge Resort in Antigua on Saturday. Veteran sportscaster Lance Whittaker from SportsMax and Kirsy Rijo Charles Kullman, who performed bilingual duties, presided over the draw, the CFU official site stated.
The seven-group Round 1 is as follows:-
Group 1 Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis and Aruba
Group 2 Grenada, St. Maarten and United States Virgin Islands (USVI)
Group 3 Cuba, Bermuda and French Guiana
Group 4 Barbados, Curacao and the Dominican Republic
Group 5 Guyana, Puerto Rico and Anguilla
Group 6 Guadeloupe, St Martin and Suriname
Group 7 Martinique, British Virgin Islands and Dominica
Round 1 will be played from March 21-29; Round 2 May 15-21; Round 3 October 3-11; Fifth Place Playoff November 7-15; and the finals are scheduled for May 2017.
Veteran sportscaster Lance Whittaker (left) and co-host Kirsy Rijo-Charles Kullman (right) are assisted with the Round 1 draw by FIFA Executive Committee Officer and CFU Executive Member Sonia Bien-Aime (second from left).
CFU General Secretary Neil Cochrane showed off his lighter side as the master of ceremonies for an audience that included TTFA President David John-Williams, CONCACAF Acting General Secretary Ted Howard, CFU President Gordon Derrick and his Executive Committee Members, as well as the presidents and general secretaries of the CFU Member Associations, Hon. Minister of Sports in Antigua and Barbuda EP Chet Greene, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Sports Senator Colin James and FIFA presidential candidates Jérôme Champagne and HRH Prince Ali Al Hussein.
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua (January 17, 2017) – The Caribbean Football Union (CFU) ended the two-day General Meeting in Antigua on Sunday with a commitment to regroup in the coming weeks, ahead of the CONCACAF Extraordinary Congress on February 25 and the FIFA Extraordinary Congress a day later.
The next CFU general meeting was occasioned by a motion from the floor on Saturday, which had the support of the membership, for a meeting to consider the draft of the FIFA/CONCACAF Statue Reforms to ensure that the membership comprehends the proposals and to seek consensus.
This came after a discourse and robust debate on aspects of the proposed reformation. CFU President Gordon Derrick later said, “The CFU is in support of the reforms. We want that to be clear. It is just one or two specific areas with which we have questions, and we will meet and discuss amongst our membership how we will address these.”
The January 16-17 meeting in Antigua also heard from three FIFA presidential candidates, Jérôme Champagne and Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein on Saturday, and Gianni Infantino on Sunday.
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Steeups. they should not give we no friggin bye. We need to toil to earn we place. Where is the final being held?
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Finals going to be held in the US.
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St. Lucia out of Caribbean Cup
By Terry Finisterre (stlucianewsonline.com)
Saint Lucia is one of six Caribbean Football Union member territories not participating in the 2016-2017 Scotiabank Men’s Caribbean Cup.
A total of 25 regional teams are set to do battle starting in March 2016, with four receiving byes to the second round.
The draw for the qualification competition was held this weekend in Antigua-Barbuda, with fireworks, dancers, a fire-throwing limbo dancer and soca artiste Tian Winter. This tournament will determine which teams can play in the 2017 Caribbean Cup proper.
No official reason has been given from the Caribbean Football Union or the Saint Lucia Football Association. The Bahamas, Bonaire, Cayman Islands, Montserrat, and the Turks and Caicos Islands are the other territories which will be absent from this competition.
Contested since 1989, the Caribbean Cup has only ever had five champions. Jamaica won the 2014 title, beating Trinidad and Tobago on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the final. Saint Lucia made the second round in 2014. The national team’s best-ever finish was in 1991, when a team including Earl Jean, Victorin Weeks and Trevor Cadette was third, beating Guyana in a playoff in Kingston, Jamaica.
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Finals going to be held in the US.
where you get that from? I did not see anything written that it will be held in US.
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Finals going to be held in the US.
where you get that from? I did not see anything written that it will be held in US.
Check here, the first photo has the draw, the dates, and the location for the finals. Not sure how to post the photo on here o else I would of.
https://twitter.com/caribbeanfooty
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CY5KjNNVAAALSI0.png:large)
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May 18-24 will be in the US.
More info to come.
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why they change the format again???
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Why the mc should it be held in the us?
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Why the mc should it be held in the us?
So that we in foreign can see the games. And spend we hard earn money, so the CFU can make money, and then steal it.
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Nowak brushes aside claims of disloyalty
By Neto Baptiste, Antigua Observer.
(http://antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Piotr-Nowak.jpg)
The former technical director for the Antigua & Barbuda Football Association (ABFA), Piotr Nowak has shot down claims made by his successor Rolston “Debu” Williams that he and other technical directors only sought to use the country as an opportunity to advance their careers.
Williams, following his appointment last week, praised the FA for promoting him, a local coach, to the top position. He added that for too long, national coaches have “worked our socks off” only to be overlooked in favour of outside applicants whose “hearts were not in Antigua’s football”.
But according to the former Polish professional player, he too worked his socks off and believes having a neutral coach better serves the national programme.
“When I started, I coached five or six teams by myself including on Saturdays with the grassroots girls and he (Rolston Williams) wasn’t there. The only coaches who helped me from the beginning were Pop-T (Vaughn James) and Three-fives (Rowan Isaac),” Nowak said.
“I think we should be proud of the ABFA. I think they made the right move in taking the guys (technical directors) because you have to be neutral and you have to be the liaison between them; you can’t take sides. Being the coach of one of the league teams, you basically fuel the speculations and rumours that you’re taking your better (club) players and some of the other players were left off.”
Nowak, who said he left on good terms, added that he enjoyed his stint with the ABFA.
Nowak: ABFA always supported me
By Neto Baptiste, Antigua Observer.
(http://antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/NOWAK.jpg)
Former Technical Director Piotr Nowak said the Antigua & Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) always provided him with the tools needed to get the job done.
The Polish former professional player, who resigned as the association’s technical director over a week ago, said he was supported in all aspects of the job.
“The ABFA gave me everything I needed in terms of the love, the support and the belief about what we can do and, when I met with Mr President (Everton Gonsalves) and Mr Gordon Derrick the first time, the contract wasn’t even mentioned in the first round of the Caribbean Cup in Antigua two years ago,” he said.
“The first thing they asked me to look at was the players’ discipline, the commitment, the liaison between those two groups (local and overseas-based players) as well as increase the base players and look at the broader side of Antigua’s football,” he added.
Nowak, who has taken up duties with a professional club in Poland, said although they didn’t always agree, the coaching staff always found a way to work as a unit.
“I loved to work with them. We all had different ideas, but we always tried to find the better platform to work. I had great help from the manager Fernando Abraham, (who) was my right-hand (man). I could confess anything and talk to him, and we would always try to find the best solutions with Mr Derrick, the President, the board and the rest. Today it doesn’t matter,” he said.
The FA named national coach Rolston “Debu” Williams Acting Technical Director as they look towards the first round of the CFU senior men’s tournament slated to start in March.
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CFU brings in penalty shoot outs in group games for its top Cup competition
Paul Nicholson, InsideWorldFootball
With FIFA election candidates lobbying for votes and a flamethrower as entertainment for the assembled, the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) focused on its own football activity at the weekend, for the first time holding a 'public' draw ceremony for the 2016 CFU Men's Caribbean Cup in Antigua.
CFU members had been invited for a series of confederation meetings with the highlight being the draw event for the revamped competition which will qualify four Caribbean teams for the 2017 Gold Cup – CONCACAF's blue riband event for national men's teams.
The CFU have significantly changed the competition structure that, for the first time, will see all matches played to a winning result. Teams that are tied at the end of extra time will go to penalty shoot-out.
CFU president Gordon Derrick said: "This is an important event for us. It will show how we are progressing across our whole region and how committed our people are. We have kept the competition within the international dates in the FIFA calendar and to do this we have created seven groups of three teams. Each country will have one home game and no-one will have to play more than twice in that international window."
The importance of the home game is that it allows member associations to make money from hosting a game in their own market with their own ticket sales and sponsors. Often the financial burden of one nation hosting a group has proved too great in a market desperate to increase its international match opportunities.
The first round will see the seven groups qualify 15 teams to a further five groups of three, with the introduction of St Vincent and the Grenadines at this stage. This second round will qualify five teams for a third round of eight with the introduction of Jamaica, Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago.
With every match having a winner the likelihood of teams being level on points and any measure of goal differentiation are unlikely, hence avoiding the need for any tie-breakers in qualification stages.
The top four teams qualify for the 2017 Gold Cup with the fifth placed team winning a play off with Central America's sixth placed team for a further Gold Cup place.
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Bermuda chasing West Ham forward
By Stephen Wright, The Royal Gazette.
https://www.youtube.com/v/BW3fajjU8lg
Bermuda still hope West Ham United’s Djair Parfitt-Williams will choose to play for his country of birth and boost their Caribbean Cup qualification chances.
Andrew Bascome’s side have been drawn alongside Cuba and French Guiana in group three in the first round, which starts in March, and would love to include Parfitt-Williams in their squad.
The forward has featured twice for West Ham’s first team against Lusitanos of Andorra in the Europa League qualifiers last July, and was an unused substitute away to Aston Villa in the Barclays Premier League on Boxing Day.
Still only 19, Parfitt-Williams moved to California when he was eight and has previously indicated he would be keen to play for the United States rather than Bermuda.
Should he have a change of heart, Maurice Lowe, the Bermuda Football Association technical development director, said Parfitt-Williams would be “welcomed with open arms”.
“We wish Djair all the best and he has to make the best decision for his career,” Lowe said.
“But should he choose us then we would be tickled and enjoy that very much.
“We would love for him to opt to play for Bermuda, but he has to make the best and most-informed decision for his future.”
Parfitt-Williams has played a key role for West Ham’s development team this season and scored in their 3-2 win at home to Fulham in the Under-21 Premier League Cup last week.
Considered one of West Ham’s most exciting talents, he signed a two-year deal at the club after finishing as the top scorer for their under-18 side with nine goals last season.
He was playing for the San Jose Earthquakes academy when he was recommended to West Ham by Bermuda legend Clyde Best, who played for the East London club between 1968 and 1976.
Best, who had been contacted by the player’s grandfather Lynn Wade, said he immediately spotted something special in Parfitt-Williams, who was then aged 14, during a Somerset Trojans training session.
“He’s a good little player and West Ham rate him highly,” Best said.
“It’s only a matter of time before he gets a [Premier League] game for them. As long as he’s patient and hangs in there he will be OK.”
Asked whether he hoped Parfitt-Williams would pledge his international allegiance to Bermuda, Best said: “I try not to get involved in that sort of stuff. He would have to make that decision for himself. I’m not going to make it for him.”
The first-round qualifiers of the Caribbean Cup, featuring home and away legs, will be played between March 21 and 29, with the top two teams of the seven groups, plus the next best team, advancing to the second round in May.
The third round will take place in October, when Jamaica, Haiti, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago join the competition. The fifth-place play-off will be in November, with the finals to be held in May 2017.
The top four Caribbean teams will qualify for next year’s Concacaf Gold Cup, which will be held from July 9 to 30.
All qualifying matches will take place on Fifa calendar dates, which means Bermuda will have the availability of their top players Nahki Wells, Rai Simons and Reggie Lambe, whose clubs are obliged to release them for international duty.
Bermuda have not competed in the Caribbean Cup since 2012 when Bascome’s side, without several of their key players, failed to qualify from their group, losing 2-1 to Puerto Rico, 3-1 to host nation Haiti before finishing off with an 8-0 thrashing of St Martin.
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Wright toTrain With Jamaican National Team
ScarletKnights.com
Rutgers forward Jason Wright will join the Jamaican national team for its team training camp being held January 18-24, 2016.
We are happy for Jason. He's a very hard working player and anyone loves the chance to represent their country,” said Rutgers head coach Dan Donigan. “We wish him well and we are very proud of his progress as a player. It's great for guys to represent their youth national teams, but every player wants to represent their full national team, it says a lot about his abilities as a player.”
Wright has been a member of both Jamaica's national U17 and U20 programs prior to arriving “On the Banks”. With the U20 program, he participated at the 2012 CFU Championships while as a member of the U17 team, Wright was the top scorer at the 2011 U17 CONCACAF Championships and played in the U17 World Cup in Mexico.
The Scarlet Knight leading scoring also joined the Jamaican national team last March as they took on the Cayman Islands National Senior Team in a friendly game in its preparation for qualifying for the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
Wright was the unanimous selection as Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year leading Rutgers with 31 points (13G, 5A). A Second Team All-American by the National Soccer Coaches of America Association (NSCAA), Third Team All-American by College Soccer News and Third Team Best XI honoree by TopDrawerSoccer, Wright topped the Big Ten stats and ranked among the top 10 nationally in goals (13), total points (31) and game winners (5).
Among the sophomore Scarlet Knights’ 2015 season highlights were RU's first hat trick since 2013, kicking off a streak of six consecutive matches in finding the back of the opponent net, and game-winning goals against three nationally ranked squads. Among his game-winning goals were No. 22 Indiana (Sept. 20), a golden goal at No. 25 Michigan (Oct. 10) and vs. No. 16 Ohio State (Oct. 25), which put Rutgers into first place in the Big Ten standings for the first time in school history.
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Guyanese Head Coach Shabazz eager to get going for new season
By Franklin Wilson (Kaieteur News)
“I am very excited to get back on the field. So excited if I get a passport I might register myself as a player who knows.” The words of Head Coach of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Jamaal Shabazz who spoke with Kaieteur Sport on his plans for the new season.
The former Trinidad and Tobago National Player who is on his third stint – a two-year contract which was signed in March 2015 – as Head Coach of Guyana’s flagship senior team, the Golden Jaguars is anxiously awaiting the recommencement of training for the senior team.
Guyana has been drawn in Group 5 of the Caribbean Football Union 2016 Men’s Caribbean Cup which also features Puerto Rico and Anguilla.
Shabazz noted that it is important for the national team to get back into a training routine whilst playing matches against regional and international teams since it’s the only way they can develop and be competitive.
He shared his view on the Men’s Caribbean Cup draw: “I like the draw. Puerto Rico is a tricky bunch whose programme is emerging well and we must ensure a good preparation. While Anguilla is lesser known but I remember when Guyana was little known as well.”
In order to put together a well oiled unit, Shabazz informed that training will commence next week.
“We plan to start training next week and the door is open again to everyone once they are prepared to be disciplined and conform. The only idiot in the squad must be me and everyone knows I can be quite stupid at times I will not tolerate anyone trying to be disruptive. But all is starting on a clean sheet again.”
Zooming in on advancement to the later rounds of the Caribbean championship, the no-nonsense Shabazz posited that progression in the group depends on the level of preparation the team is afforded.
“We must have facilities and equipment; you cannot put the cart ahead of the horse. If you want to make an omelette you need eggs.”
Round 1 of the CFU competition will be contested from March 21-29; Round 2 May 15-21; Round 3 October 3-11; Fifth Place Playoff November 7-15; and the finals are scheduled for May 2017.
The inaugural Stag Elite League sponsored by Ansa McAl saw the Genesis (first half) contested in the latter part of 2015 and was won by Slingerz FC, the youngest of all the competing clubs. The second half, called the Finale is expected to kick off shortly.
Shabazz offered his take on the importance of the Stag Elite League: “The Elite League is the most vital part of our preparation for CFU. It gives the staff a window to shop and the players an avenue to showcase themselves. I can only wonder what IF, if we had this Stag Elite League two years ago.”
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Harte, Lashley on target
By Nku Davis, Barbados Today
(https://16f6e5e6d2.site.internapcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/XArmandoXLashleyXonXtheXballXforXDirectXTVXParadise..jpg)
(https://16f6e5e6d2.site.internapcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/MarioXHarteXXFPX.jpg)
As the Digicel-sponsored Barbados Football Association’s Premier League wraps up round one, two young men have risen to the top of the heap. Finding the back of the net nine times in eight games both, the 27-year-old Mario Harte of UWI Blackbirds, and the 24-year-old Armando Lashley of Paradise have their eyes set on the golden boot.
With their teams separated by a one-goal goal difference, and by one point on the table, moving into their last games of the first round on Sunday and Tuesday. both young men are eager to separate both themselves and their clubs from the pack. Lashley and third place Paradise will face fifth place Rendezvous on Sunday in a 6 p.m. fixture. While Harte and the second place Blackbirds do battle with eighth place Notre Dame on Tuesday at 9 p.m.
Sporting World caught up with both gentlemen last night at national training in their preparation for the upcoming CFU and their first game against Curacao on 22nd March at home.
What positions and/or roles do you play with your respective clubs?
AL My position is striker and my role is really just to put the ball in the back of the net. If the coach asks for me to play behind the striker, I will play it. Basically I am willing to play anywhere I am asked but my main position is on top.
MH I play forward, I don’t actually play the leading striker. I have more of a role creating goal-scoring opportunities.
How important is it to find the back of the net in the last game of the round?
AL Well a goal will be good because I’ll be in front of Mario (they both chuckle) at least until Tuesday when he plays. But Rendezvous are tough opponents and it won’t be that easy to score… the hardest thing to do is to score, but I still believe that the opportunity will present itself and I intend to grasp it. A win will take us to the top of the table.
MH A goal is always important but I really hope for the win. Even if I don’t score myself maybe I can assist someone else to put the ball past the keeper and we can get the three points.
How did you guys get into football?
AL I started playing from very young, maybe four years of age, plus my dad was also a national footballer so I guess I am just following in his footsteps. Came right through playing for Paradise never played for anyone else. Made my international debut against St. Vincent and I’m still waiting to score my first goal though, but I started from very young and was always into football.
MH I also started very young with my father taking me to play football and I would go watch him. I always played all through primary school and in the community at home until I joined Soccer School, now Pro Shottas, where I started to take my football serious because we would tour to the UK and Florida. It was a really good set up and my football just built from there.
Describe the feelings around goal scoring.
AL Anxiety… I feel very anxious… happy after I have scored and my teammates are rushing to congratulate me, without your teammates you can’t score… its a good feeling.
MH It’s a very good feeling. It honestly relieves a lot of pressure. When you miss you feel really bad. So when you score, a lot of weight lifts off your shoulders. It’s a very relaxing thing for me actually.
What’s been the most memorable experience so far this season?
AL That would have to be when I scored four goals against Belfield… I wouldn’t say it was a hard task but I got opportunities and I took them.
MH It would have to be the game against Rendezvous. They are favourites and we beat them 2-0. I scored the opening goal a left-footer on the volley from just inside the 18. It was a great feeling.
Looking forward to CFU?
MH I just hope the guys can come together and really gel in preparation for the upcoming competition. I have no doubt we can qualify for the next stage… but it won’t be easy. But with everyone on board working hard as a team we can advance.
AL Well, I am working hard to be selected and I think all we have to do is stick together, unity is strength, once the guys go out there and fight for each other I believe we can come out on top.
Barbados will play Curacao first in the CFU, any thoughts?
MH It’s a home game so hopefully we can go out there and play some attractive, attacking football for the fans. We’re looking to score some goals and come out with a win.
AL I wouldn’t say we know much about them… we’ve never faced them before but we are playing at home so we are expected to win…no one is going to come to let us walk all over them but I believe we can come out on top. We have very good players.
Who has been the single influential person in your football career so far?
AL I would have to say my father. He’s been there all along for my entire career. He even coached at Paradise until this season. He coaches at Rendezvous now. But he has been there from the beginning until now.
MH It would have to be my grandmother. She has supported me from the beginning even if it was coming home tired she would always get me something to eat and wash my gear if I dropped to sleep. Up to this day she still does that so it would have to be her.
Recall the most memorable experience representing Barbados as both of you have been doing so from U17.
AL It would have to be Haiti. We didn’t go through, but when we defeated St. Kitts 3-2 no one was expecting us to win as they were favourites.
MH Last year in a friendly against Guyana we were down 2-0 and I scored just before the break to pull one back… it was another left foot finish.
Do you have any advice for the young guys coming through hoping to reach to this level?
AL Always remain positive, hard work pays off, never say you can’t, always think that you can.
MH Stay focused. A lot of our good young players are led astray and go towards the gangster life. It’s so much wasted talent.
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Hefty overseas presence in Benna Boys Cup squad
By Neto Baptiste, Antigua Observer
(http://antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2-SQUAD.jpg)
A total of 15 overseas-based players have been named in a large 42-member training squad ahead of the senior team’s participation in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Caribbean Cup slated to kick off next month.
Goalkeeper Brentton Muhammad, defenders Aaron Tumwa, Zaine Francis-Angol, Mahlon Romeo, Quinton Griffith and midfielders Calaum Jahraldo–Martin, Duran Martin, AJ George, Kieran Murtagh, Rhys Browne, Sean DeSilva and Joshua Parker have all been named in the preparatory squad.
Forwards Dexter Blackstock, Dominic Samuel and Nathaniel Jarvis round off the overseas-based selections.
Antigua & Barbuda have been drawn into Group 1 alongside Aruba and St Kitts and Nevis.
The other selected players are goalkeepers Molvin James, Davrick Lockhart, Omari “Spence” Joseph and Randy Akoye Aska.
Also in the line-up are defenders Akeem “Leppy” Thomas, Jamoy Stevens, Karanja Mack, Vashami Allen, Omarie Daniel, Sharman Anthony and Mervyn Hazelwood.
Midfielders Shavon Philip, Randolph “Etty” Burton, Kemoy Alexander, Mickel Phillip, Keiron Richards, Novelle Francis Jr, Tamorley “Ziggy” Thomas, Avier Christian, Eugene Kirwan and Terrel Richards have also made the cut.
The selections are rounder off with forwards Peter “Big Pete” Byers, Hakeem Joseph, Trevaughn “Peter Redz” Harriette, Stefan Smith, Jevorn Stevens and Elvis Thomas.
The Antigua & Barbuda Benna Boys are set to take on Aruba at home on March 23 before travelling to St Kitts to face host and rival St Kitts and Nevis on March 29.
Teams finishing first and second in the group will advance to the next round.
Ten overseas-based players confirmed for CFU
By Neto Baptiste, Antigua Observer
(http://antiguaobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/3-CFU.jpeg)
A little more than half of the 15 overseas-based footballers named in a 42-member training squad ahead of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Caribbean Cup, will make it to the final 20-member squad.
This is according to General Secretary of the Antigua & Barbuda Football Association (ABFA), Gordon “Banks” Derrick, who said the final squad could be selected by the middle of the month.
“There were 15 to look at in the pool but he is only bringing 10 and the other 10 will be local. We have to book tickets so by Friday we will know who will be coming. I suspect the final 20 will be selected at least a week before the actual game so that we can submit all the paperwork,” he said.
The Antigua & Barbuda Benna Boys will take on Aruba at home on March 23 before travelling to St Kitts on March 29.
The home game, Derrick said, will be played at the country’s premier sporting venue while fans could have an opportunity to travel to St Kitts for the anticipated showdown.
“We had a very wonderful meeting (on Tuesday) with the Minister of Sports, EP Chet Greene … and he confirmed to me that Sir Viv will be available so the game, Antigua & Barbuda vs Aruba will be at the Sir Vivian Richards stadium on March 23rd and then on the 29th we go to St Kitts,” he said.
Teams finishing first and second in their groups will advance to the next round.
PLEASE NOTE: The first article was released in the last week of February.
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Raith Rovers’ loan star Harry Panayiotou eyeing dream double
By Neil Robertson, The Courier.
(http://www.thecourier.co.uk/polopoly_fs/1.926552.1456760025!/image/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_620/image.jpg)
Raith Rovers’ on-loan Leicester striker Harry Panayiotou is daring to dream of a delightful double – the Foxes to win the Premier League and the Kirkcaldy side to make it into the promotion play-offs.
Last week was a notable one for the 21-year-old as he helped Ray McKinnon’s side to back-to-back wins over Livingston and Morton and also received another international call-up for St Kitts for the 2016 Caribbean Cup which takes place from the 26th to the 29th of this month.
Before that, Panayiotou, who made his Raith debut at the start of last month at Stark’s Park against Rangers, is now relishing a trip to the home of the same opponents tonight to play in front of what he hopes is the biggest crowd of his career so far.
He said: “It was a great win on Saturday against Morton and brings us one step closer to the play-offs.
“I am just thankful for the victory and hopefully we can keep going.
“I also got my call-up to St Kitts last week. We have Aruba away and Antigua at home.
“They are two big games but we have a good squad and I think we will qualify.
“I love playing for St Kitts – it is the best feeling in the world playing for your country.
“However, I am not really thinking about that at the moment. I just have to concentrate on playing Rangers.
“I think I did well to be fair when I came on the last time we played them.
“But all the lads are telling me it is a different story when you go to Ibrox. They have told me it is a fantastic atmosphere and that Rangers play off the crowd and pass the ball around a lot.
He added: “However, if we can hit them on the break and hopefully score, then I don’t see why we cannot go there and get a result.
“It is games like this that I want to play in – it is a great experience for me and I am enjoying everything.
“When I was 17, I played for Leicester against Leeds and I think there were 34,000 watching so if there are over 40,000 tomorrow then this will be the most people I have played in front of.
“I just can’t wait.
“My aim is to get into the play-offs with the team and hopefully push for promotion.
“I just want to do well for the fans, for Ray and my team-mates. Raith brought me in and I want to give back to them.
“It would be a dream come true this year if Leicester could win the title and Raith get into the play-offs.”
Panayiotou has yet to open his goals account for Raith but that is in part caused by the fact that he is being deployed in a deeper role.
However, he is confident he will break his duck sooner rather than later.
He said: “I have not scored yet but I am sure it will come – hopefully against Rangers.
“I am an out-and-out striker but I am playing deeper for Raith.
“It is a new thing for me but I like playing as a 10 as I get more of the ball.
“I am touching the ball a lot more than when I am playing as a striker.
“I am not trying to make up excuses but hopefully I will score soon and we will take it from there.”
NOTE: SKN's recent friendlies were against Andorra and Estonia.
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French Guiana Announces Squad for CFU 2016 Caribbean Cup Group 3
CFU
(http://cfufootball.org/images/GUIANA%20.JPG)
In what the local officials have dubbed as a tough task, French Guiana will face the likes of Bermuda and Cuba in Group 3. The men from South America last faced Honduras in March 2015 over a two legged CONCACAF Gold Cup playoff where they were defeated (4-3).
The following list of players were called to represent French Guiana:
Donovan Léon (Auxerre), Simon Falette (Stade Brestois), Sloan Privat (Guingamp) et Stéphane Privat (Marmande). Jean David Legrand (Trelissac) Gary Marigard et Josué Albert (Quevilly). Kevin Rimane (PSG), Anthony Soubervie (Colmar). Ludovic Baal (Rennes), Loic Baal (Belfort) Roy Contout (club marocain) Gabriel Pigrée (Cap Ferret). Jeannot Apaguy (Grand Santi). Marc Edwige (CSCC), Mar vin Torvic et Alex Eric et Rudy Evens (US Matoury).
Reserves: Thierry Toupouti (Grand Santi), Eric Swamé (Agouado) et Dominique Aouman (USL Montjoly).
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Sint Maarten and Martinique win friendlies
CFU
Dutch Sint Maarten and Anguilla and St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Martinique warmed up for the 2016 CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup with friendlies over the weekend. In the case of the Vincentians, it was preparation for World Cup Qualifiers.
Dutch Sint Maarten, after a decade without competitive action, defeated Anguilla 2-0 on the strength of a quick double from Joost Röben in the 5th and 45th minute.
Martinique, meanwhile, defeated St. Vincent and the Grenadines 4-0. Martinique's goals were scored by Gregory Pastel (2), Stephane Abaul, and Daniel Herelle.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines will now look toward their World Cup Qualifying Campaign match versus Trinidad and Tobago at home on March 25.
Concerning Caribbean Cup action which kicks off with Round 1 matches on March 23, Dutch Sint Maarten is in Group 2 with Grenada and the United States Virgin Islands; Anguilla is in Group 5 with Guyana and Puerto Rico; and Martinique is in Group 7 with the British Virgin Islands and Dominica. SVG earned a bye to Round 2.
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Imagine the final round of the 2016 Caribbean Cup will be in 2017. :D
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Guyana's Caribbean Cup squad. (http://www.cfufootball.org/index.php/caribbean-cup/9799-guyana-names-shortlist-of-players-for-caribbean-cup)
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Guyana's Caribbean Cup squad. (http://www.cfufootball.org/index.php/caribbean-cup/9799-guyana-names-shortlist-of-players-for-caribbean-cup)
Ricky Shakes, 31, get dropped?
:D
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Just by chance, about two hours ago, crossed the road to the beach at St. Pierre and saw a man in a warm-up pants blowing ah whistle at some fellas in de water. Pair by pair as he blew, they would swim a few yards. First ah thought, water polo team? Then it him me. Confirmed by the guy with the whistle (the physio). It was Martinique doing recovery work. He said they were getting ready to leave for Dominica.
How I end up in St. Pierre is a story by itself. Yesterday was driving along the east coast. Splendid scenery. On the map we have, the towns seem further apart than they actually are ... so we were making good progress. So good that because it was about 4pm with good daylight left, ah say, lehwe shoot for making it all the way back to Fort-de-France. We were almost at Grand Riviere (top ah de island).
On the way, we pass ah lush piece of grass and ah say, that place look like a place where sweat does pass. Just a plain patch of grass, eh. No posts, nutten. Just ah vibe.
Had to pull the plug on the getting to Fort-de-France thing when the curves in the road and the precipices were more curvy and precipitous than the earlier heights. Was not a comfortable scene.
So on the way back, ah see youthmen sweating on de patch. Iz ah lil village called Macouba. Patch of grass on one side of de road and a deep ravine with concrete cover on de next side with a breadfruit tree and a mango tree growing below. Pullover and watch for a few minutes. Then parked. Iz a barefoot sweat in progress. Ah geh out de car. Next thing ah in de sweat.
Here me: just a 5 minutes. Steups. Ah sweat wid dem fellas for about ah hour and a quarter!!!
Years ago, ah learn to travel wid boots. This time ah had two pairs of gear. De plan was to give both away (dahis another story). One was ah indoor practically never worn. De other ah red and yellow Mercurial worn only once in a Montreal sweat.
Ah give way de indoors to a Lucian youth named Merky who was in among de Martiniquans. He could rell ball. 18 year old. Attacking mid. Good enough to get ah US education out of his ability. He in Martinique six months. Decide to keep de Mercurials in case ah next sweat pop up elsewhere. Plus it woulda be difficult to pull out a next pair.
Right! Time to go. We decide to cut across de country and spend de night in St. Pierre on the other coast. Getting there? Also not that easy in the rain.
Anyway, wake up dis morning to stroll de beach. All of a sudden, swimmers coming round the cliff and kayakers with dem. Screaming ppl on the top walking along de road. Ah woman in a Bahamas shirt and an afro, confirms is the CARIFTA Open Water swim. Finish line not so far she says. Ah cross back de road to call Miss Lady to see too. We walk dong de beach and dahis when and how ah buck up the Martinique team in the water. Day off to a good start, oui.
Did not see the game yesterday, but was sweating on a patch of green heaven while that was happening. All is well that ends well! Like FIFA says: for the love of the game.
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Just by chance, about two hours ago, crossed the road to the beach at St. Pierre and saw a man in a warm-up pants blowing ah whistle at some fellas in de water. Pair by pair as he blew, they would swim a few yards. First ah thought, water polo team? Then it him me. Confirmed by the guy with the whistle (the physio). It was Martinique doing recovery work. He said they were getting ready to leave for Dominica.
How I end up in St. Pierre is a story by itself. Yesterday was driving along the east coast. Splendid scenery. On the map we have, the towns seem further apart than they actually are ... so we were making good progress. So good that because it was about 4pm with good daylight left, ah say, lehwe shoot for making it all the way back to Fort-de-France. We were almost at Grand Riviere (top ah de island).
On the way, we pass ah lush piece of grass and ah say, that place look like a place where sweat does pass. Just a plain patch of grass, eh. No posts, nutten. Just ah vibe.
Had to pull the plug on the getting to Fort-de-France thing when the curves in the road and the precipices were more curvy and precipitous than the earlier heights. Was not a comfortable scene.
So on the way back, ah see youthmen sweating on de patch. Iz ah lil village called Macouba. Patch of grass on one side of de road and a deep ravine with concrete cover on de next side with a breadfruit tree and a mango tree growing below. Pullover and watch for a few minutes. Then parked. Iz a barefoot sweat in progress. Ah geh out de car. Next thing ah in de sweat.
Here me: just a 5 minutes. Steups. Ah sweat wid dem fellas for about ah hour and a quarter!!!
Years ago, ah learn to travel wid boots. This time ah had two pairs of gear. De plan was to give both away (dahis another story). One was ah indoor practically never worn. De other ah red and yellow Mercurial worn only once in a Montreal sweat.
Ah give way de indoors to a Lucian youth named Merky who was in among de Martiniquans. He could rell ball. 18 year old. Attacking mid. Good enough to get ah US education out of his ability. He in Martinique six months. Decide to keep de Mercurials in case ah next sweat pop up elsewhere. Plus it woulda be difficult to pull out a next pair.
Right! Time to go. We decide to cut across de country and spend de night in St. Pierre on the other coast. Getting there? Also not that easy in the rain.
Anyway, wake up dis morning to stroll de beach. All of a sudden, swimmers coming round the cliff and kayakers with dem. Screaming ppl on the top walking along de road. Ah woman in a Bahamas shirt and an afro, confirms is the CARIFTA Open Water swim. Finish line not so far she says. Ah cross back de road to call Miss Lady to see too. We walk dong de beach and dahis when and how ah buck up the Martinique team in the water. Day off to a good start, oui.
Did not see the game yesterday, but was sweating on a patch of green heaven while that was happening. All is well that ends well! Like FIFA says: for the love of the game.
Yuh tell that story like a real boss.
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As I was flashing out this morning, ran into the Bajan squad in the departure lobby and then again at immigration. They were waiting to board Air Antilles to Santo Domingo.
Couple things caught my attention. First was the youthfulness of the squad and that they are not a tall side. The other thing was their demeanour. Good ambassadors. Turns out several are soldiers. I was told BDF has the most representatives on the squad.
During some kix talk, ah tell dem try not to play any ineligible players dis rounds. :rotfl: De men laugh and say "look de fella hey". Turns out he was in de small group in conversation with me. Admin error, not player error.
By the way ... On the stature thing: did not recognize Emmerson Boyce. At all! Men say "you know dis man?" Nothing registered. Seemed much bigger on TV. Boyce is a quiet leader. It must be quite the experience for him and the other players ... because it's obvious both sides are finding reward in having him on board.
Side note: Was VERY surprised to see Carib on the in-flight menu for Norwegian. And the ONLY beer at that. Somebody wukkin!
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Just by chance, about two hours ago, crossed the road to the beach at St. Pierre and saw a man in a warm-up pants blowing ah whistle at some fellas in de water. Pair by pair as he blew, they would swim a few yards. First ah thought, water polo team? Then it him me. Confirmed by the guy with the whistle (the physio). It was Martinique doing recovery work. He said they were getting ready to leave for Dominica.
How I end up in St. Pierre is a story by itself. Yesterday was driving along the east coast. Splendid scenery. On the map we have, the towns seem further apart than they actually are ... so we were making good progress. So good that because it was about 4pm with good daylight left, ah say, lehwe shoot for making it all the way back to Fort-de-France. We were almost at Grand Riviere (top ah de island).
On the way, we pass ah lush piece of grass and ah say, that place look like a place where sweat does pass. Just a plain patch of grass, eh. No posts, nutten. Just ah vibe.
Had to pull the plug on the getting to Fort-de-France thing when the curves in the road and the precipices were more curvy and precipitous than the earlier heights. Was not a comfortable scene.
So on the way back, ah see youthmen sweating on de patch. Iz ah lil village called Macouba. Patch of grass on one side of de road and a deep ravine with concrete cover on de next side with a breadfruit tree and a mango tree growing below. Pullover and watch for a few minutes. Then parked. Iz a barefoot sweat in progress. Ah geh out de car. Next thing ah in de sweat.
Here me: just a 5 minutes. Steups. Ah sweat wid dem fellas for about ah hour and a quarter!!!
Years ago, ah learn to travel wid boots. This time ah had two pairs of gear. De plan was to give both away (dahis another story). One was ah indoor practically never worn. De other ah red and yellow Mercurial worn only once in a Montreal sweat.
Ah give way de indoors to a Lucian youth named Merky who was in among de Martiniquans. He could rell ball. 18 year old. Attacking mid. Good enough to get ah US education out of his ability. He in Martinique six months. Decide to keep de Mercurials in case ah next sweat pop up elsewhere. Plus it woulda be difficult to pull out a next pair.
Right! Time to go. We decide to cut across de country and spend de night in St. Pierre on the other coast. Getting there? Also not that easy in the rain.
Anyway, wake up dis morning to stroll de beach. All of a sudden, swimmers coming round the cliff and kayakers with dem. Screaming ppl on the top walking along de road. Ah woman in a Bahamas shirt and an afro, confirms is the CARIFTA Open Water swim. Finish line not so far she says. Ah cross back de road to call Miss Lady to see too. We walk dong de beach and dahis when and how ah buck up the Martinique team in the water. Day off to a good start, oui.
Did not see the game yesterday, but was sweating on a patch of green heaven while that was happening. All is well that ends well! Like FIFA says: for the love of the game.
Yuh tell that story like a real boss.
:beermug:
Forgot to mention the 10 year old. Completely not intimidated by playing with older players. And, he was gehhin tackled like a big man. (And treated like a big man! They sent him dong de ravine after ah shot he hit, crossed de road).
One of the most talented 10 yr olds I've seen. That became crystal clear when he challenged (successfully) a ball that was at the chest height of other players, but for which he had to jump under pressure from two closing players. Natural instincts with formed technique. Player with a future at an academy.
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Rub it in, bro, rub it in..yuhiz ah blessed fella
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Rub it in, bro, rub it in..yuhiz ah blessed fella
May that long continue. :)
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Results from Tuesday, March 29
Suriname 3 Guadeloupe 2
Dominican Republic 2 Barbados 0 (Barbados, red card 90')
USVI 1 Grenada 2
French Guiana 3 Cuba 0
Dominica 1 Martinique 4
Puerto Rico 0 Guyana 1
St. Kitts and Nevis 1 Antigua and Barbuda 0
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Q&A with Peter Byers
CONCACAF
For 13 years, Antigua & Barbuda's Peter Byers has been one of the best forwards in the Caribbean.
Since his debut in 2004, Antigua & Barbuda has not only depended on Peter Byers for goals, but also to take the national team to the next competitive level. He has delivered consistently for 13 years, putting the Benna Boys in position to be counted among the Caribbean’s best.
The 31-year-old SAP FC standout has 38 international goals, some of them historic, including one at the United States in a qualifier for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He has traveled the region at the club level, living a football life.
With Antigua & Barbuda advancing to the second round of 2016/17 Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup, Byers has to more accomplish, such as playing in his first CONCACAF Gold Cup.
He sat down with CONCACAF.com to talk about the past and, more importantly, the future.
If Antigua & Barbuda was to qualify for the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup, what would it mean to the nation?
Right now we are pushing hard for the Gold Cup. The past few years we’ve been close and a little bit short. This time around we’re going hard and going all out to make it to the Gold Cup.
Antigua & Barbuda seems to be close to joining the elite of Caribbean football. What needs to be done in order for that to happen?
As you know we’re pushing very hard so that Antigua can become one of the big teams in the Caribbean. We’re doing a lot of work and hopefully in the next few years we’ll be in the top five teams in the Caribbean.
What has been the highlight of your career with the national team?
It’s been very good playing for the national team in the past few years. I’ve really enjoyed it and I really hope I can help Antigua reach the Gold Cup before I finish playing for Antigua. I’d like the kids to look up and see how important it is to take Antigua further.
What has been the highlight of your career at the club level?
The biggest highlight was playing professionally for the (Montreal) Impact. I really enjoyed it. I’ve played in different places all over, but the Montreal Impact was a really nice place for me.
You scored against Joe Public FC for the Montreal Impact in the first-ever CONCACAF Champions League (2008/09). What do you remember about that goal?
First of all, my dad died before we played Joe Public, so that was a very important goal for me. I cherish that goal and talk about that one, also, because of my dad.
According to FIFA records, you have scored 10 goals in 21 all-time World Cup qualifiers. What was your most memorable WCQ goal and why?
The goal against the USA (on June 8, 2012). I came off the bench, got my chance and scored a goal. I think that’s one of the biggest goals I ever scored in my life, so it’s one I’ll always remember and talk about.
What motivates you as a player each day?
Football is not an easy sport, so working hard and getting to play places. You have to go there and push yourself and work as hard as you can to make sure you come out on top as a footballer.
If you could play with any player in the history of football, who would it be and why?
I’d want to play with Cristiano Ronaldo because watching Portugal and watching Real Madrid and watching Manchester (United), when he used to play with them, he’s a very good player. So if I get a chance to play with one player, I’d choose to play with him. He’s the guy I look up to all the time.
Has your game as a player changed over the years? If yes, how?
It’s changed over the years because from playing in Antigua growing up we play a different style to Trinidad. It’s a different style and in Montreal we played a different style. Every country I went to and played, it’s a different game they play, so it helps to get my game better.
What are your future goals in football?
I’m not sure about our next World Cup qualifying, so our goal right now is to get Antigua to the Gold Cup. The Gold Cup will be my World Cup. I can see us playing in that competition. My goal right now is to get Antigua to the Gold Cup and score a few goals.
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Grenada targets Gold Cup return
CONCACAF
GEORGE’S, Grenada – Of the 24 teams to have participated in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, only seven came from the Caribbean.
Six of those have competed more than once.
Grenada – a country with a population of 111,000 – is among those esteemed sides.
The Spice Boys have missed out on the last two editions of the biennial competition, though, after consecutive appearances in 2009 and 2011.
They want to return in 2017 and are already on the qualifying path.
“It would be a big thing for our country to go back to the Gold Cup,” Grenada midfielder Shane Rennie told CONCACAF.com. “It would be good for younger players to look up to that to work hard and be on the national team.”
Rennie, who played in each of Grenada’s six all-time Gold Cup matches, is hoping to earn the opportunity to compete against CONCACAF’s best once again.
“It was disappointing,” he expressed, when asked about falling short in the 2013 and 2015 qualifying campaigns. “It was kind of heartbreaking not getting there.”
Today, optimism reigns, especially since Grenada went in a perfect 2-0-0 in 2016/17 Scotiabank Men’s Caribbean Cup first-round play, the region’s championship for national teams that doubles as a Gold Cup qualifying tournament.
In March, the Grenadians captured first place in Group 2 with wins over St. Maarten (5-0, home) and the US Virgin Islands (2-1, away).
Rennie credited hard work and teamwork for the confidence-enhancing victories, adding: ”We go out and play all for one, one for all. This team together brings great enjoyment and we just go out and enjoy the game.
“It meant a lot to the team to get a good start within the first two games and looking forward to the next round. Teams here in the Premier League are doing their preparations, so I guess we’re hoping the players will be fit to get ready for the next round.”
As a national team veteran, Rennie is delighted to take a leadership role in the squad and play his part in helping to mold the next generation of players.
“I’ve been in the team quite a while,” the 29-year-old said. “I’m a more experienced player, so (my role is) to talk to the younger ones, encourage them to play because a lot of them look up to me as a senior player. I’m a role model to the young ones.”
In addition to working on and off the training pitch with his teammates, the Paradise FC standout is still producing in the stadia. He scored in both Caribbean Cup games, including the first goal against the US Virgin Islands.
“It’s great scoring for your country,” Rennie stated excitedly. “It’s a great thing to boost your confidence and makes you an important player with the team. I love scoring for my country and contributing to both games. It was nice.”
Grenada returns to Caribbean Cup action on June 1 with a second-round encounter against visiting Puerto Rico. You can bet Rennie will ready. After all, his eyes are on the Gold Cup prize.
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so let me get this straight.
T&T are in the 3rd round and will play on October 3rd and 9th 2016 (International Window) and the winner of our 3 team group will advance to the Final Tournament in May 2017 (4 teams from the 4 group winners) .
Therefore sealing qualification to the 2017 Gold Cup once we win our group in October?
One would think that T&T, Jamaica and Haiti will host 3 of the 4 groups in October since we got a bye to that stage..correct?
When will that be confirmed ?
If we get to the HEX it would have been nice to see our October window have top level teams in preparation but we cannot afford to take the CFU qualifiers lightly as Gold Cup 2017 qualification is a MUST.
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Puerto Rico, Curacao, St. Kitts and Nevis and Martinique win Round 2 Scotiabank CFU Men's Caribbean Cup openers
CFU
ST. JOHN'S, Antigua - The second round of the Scotiabank CFU Men's Caribbean Cup Saw Puerto Rico defeat Grenada from 3 goals, while Curacao, St. Kitts and Nevis and Martinique all registered opening victories.
Martinique 2 - 0 Guadeloupe
Antoine Jean-Baptiste 67' (Mar), Jean-Sylvain Babin 79' (Mar)
In what was dubbed a French island derby, Martinique overcome neighbors Guadeloupe in their opening match. After a goalless first half it was Antoine Jean-Baptiste who broke the deadlock in the 67th minute of play. Jean-Sylvain Babin made it 2-0 in the 79th minute giving Martinique the victory.
Curacao 5 - 2 Guyana
Felitciano Zschusschen 7', 61', 89' (CUW), Gina Van Kessel 42', 63' (CUW),
Sheldon Holder 18' (GUY), Brandon Bereseford 78' (GUY)
Curacao made the home advantage count as they defeated Guyana 5 goals to 2. A hat-trick from Felitciano Zschusschen in the 7th, 61st and 89th minute all but sealed the victory for the Dutch islanders. Gina Van Kessel would also add two goals in the 42nd and 63rd minutes. The Golden Jaguars' goals were scored by Sheldon Holder in the 18th minute and Brandon Bereseford in the 78th minute of play.
St. Kitts and Nevis 1 - 0 Suriname
Harrison Panayiotou 30' (SKN)
St. Kitts and Nevis continued their winning streak in the competition with a 1-0 victory over Suriname in Basseterre St. Kitts. The lone strike came in the first half from Harrison Panayiotou in the 30th minute, which was all the Sugar Boys needed to get past Suriname on the night.
Grenada 3 - 3 Puerto Rico
Shavon John-Brown 3', 28' (GRN),
Peter Ramos 44', 63'(PUR), Manolo Sanchez 89' (PUR)
In what was clearly the match of the night, a visiting Puerto Rico side came from 3 goals down to defeat Grenada in a penalty shootout after extra time. The home team opened the scoring in the 3rd minute with a strike from Shavon John-Brown. Grenada doubled their lead in the 27th minute as John-Brown once again found the back of the net.
The Spice Boys extended their first half lead to 3-0 with a strike from Moron Philip in the 38th minute. Puerto Rico pulled back a goal back in the 44th minute through Peter Romas.
In the second half, Puerto Rico received a penalty kick, which was converted by Ramos in the 62nd minute of play. Manolo Sanchez made it 3-3 in the 88th minute forcing extra time. Puerto Rico prevailed after winning the penalty shootout 4 -3.
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Puerto Rico Advances While Suriname, Guyana, Guadeloupe and Dominican Republic grab wins on day 2 in the Scotiabank Caribbean Cup
CFU
Day 2 of the Scotiabank CFU Men's Caribbean Cup 2016 saw Puerto Rico advance while Suriname, Guyana, Guadeloupe and Dominican Republic all grabbed wins on the night.
USVI 0 - 7 Guyana
Trayon Bobb 23', Ricky Bascombe 25', Devon Millintone 30', Ricky Bascombe 44', Anthony Abrams 68', Trayon Bobb 74', Anthony Abrams 87'.
We begin in the Virgin Islands where Guyana put seven goals past hosts United States Virgin Islands. Four goals were scored in the first half by Trayon Bobb (23'), Ricky Bascombe, who scored in the 25th and 44th, and Devon Millintone (30'). USVI failed to score in the second half as Guyana added to their tally courtesy Anthony Abrams (68'), Trayon Bobb, who converted his second in the 74th minute. Abrams closed the scoring in the 87th minute, ending the match 7 - 0.
Suriname 2 - 1 St. Vincent and The Grenadines
Mitchell Kisoor 85' (SUR), Melvin Valigs 90 + 4 (SUR) Myron Samuel 71' (VIN)
Suriname rebounded from their Round 2 Day 1 defeat to come from behind to defeat St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It was in the second half that Myron Samuel made it 1-0 in favour of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. But a late goal from Mitchell Kisoor in the 85 minute put Suriname on the scoreboard. Melvin Valigs then scored the winning goal for Suriname deep into stoppage time.
Bermuda 0 - 1 Dominican Republic
(Jonathon Frias 27' DOM)
The Dominican Republic grabbed three points from Bermuda in hard fought 1 - 0 match at the National Sports Centre in Bermuda. Jonathon Frias scored the only goal of the match in the 27th minute to give the Dominican Republic victory on the night.
Puerto Rico 2 - 1 Antigua and Barbuda
Hector Ramos 6', 90 +25' (PUR) Dexter Blackstock 35' (ANT)
Puerto Rico advanced to the next round by defeating a visiting Antigua and Barbuda team. Hector Ramos gave the hosts the early lead in the 6th minute. Antigua and Barbuda equalized through a strike from Dexter Blackstock in the 35th minute, ending the first half 1 - 1. The score remained the same after regulation time, and then it was Ramos again. He scored his second of the night 25 minutes into extra time, giving Puerto Rico the 2 -1 victory. It was Puerto Rico's second Round 2 win. The team defeated Grenada 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the sides were deadlocked 3-3 at the end of regulation time on opening day.
Guadeloupe 2 - 1 Dominica Elbert
Anatoue 23', Gilles Dan 64', (GUA) Julian Wade 41' (DOM)
Dominica went down 2 - 1 to Guadeloupe with Elbert Anatoue scoring in the 23rd and Gilles Dan in the 64th for Guadeloupe. Julian Wade netted Dominica's only goal in the 41st minute of play.
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Grenada targets rebound at Antigua & Barbuda
CFU
ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada -- It all started so positively for Grenada on Wednesday.
The Spice Boys had a two-goal lead on Puerto Rico inside of 30 minutes and a three-goal advantage eight minutes later in the 2016/17 Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup second-round opener at the Grenada Athletics Stadium.
Hector Ramos then pulled one back for the visitors from the penalty spot one minute before halftime and the game changed when the teams emerged from the locker room as Grenada conceded twice more. Olvin Ortiz equalized with two minutes left in normal time and then Puerto Rico gained all three points, ultimately winning on penalty kicks, 4-3.
“In the first half we created, we scored the three goals and just before the half we conceded a goal,” said Grenada head coach Andrew Munro. “In the second half, we didn’t stick to our game plan. We lost our concentration and allowed them to come back and equalize the game.”
It was a bitter pill to swallow, as well as a harsh lesson learned.
“It’s tough that we lost, but we lost our concentration for a long period,” Munro remarked. “We have to learn to play for 90 minutes. Sometimes we played well and sometimes we didn’t, but we have to concentrate and play the game for 90 minutes.”
Shavon John-Brown scored the opening two goals for Grenada. The 21-year-old forward, who competes for Bryant & Stratton College in Syracuse, New York, is one part of a promising young group that includes Goshen College’s defender/midfielder Ethan Francois-Ravalier and midfielder Chad Mark of local side Boca Juniors.
“He’s a good young player,” Munro said of John-Brown. “He scored two goals for us. He’s one of our young, talented players. He still needs to concentrate more, but the whole team does.”
While Munro still rues the home setback to Puerto Rico, preparations for a June 7 encounter at Antigua & Barbuda are in full swing.
“We have to concentrate for 90 minutes, have confidence and play for the 90 minutes instead of panic,” finished Munro. “We have to go there and play our football for more than one half. We have to play both halves with high intensity.”
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St. Kitts and Nevis defeated SVG today. 1-0. The match was played in Vincy.
Minutes ago, Dominican Republic, playing at home, defeated French Guiana by a margin of 2-1.
Kicking off at 7pm TT time: Dominica-Martinique.
At 7:30pm: Antigua and Barbuda-Grenada.
At 8:00pm: Curacao-USVI.
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St. Kitts and Nevis defeated SVG today. 1-0. The match was played in Vincy.
Minutes ago, Dominican Republic, playing at home, defeated French Guiana by a margin of 2-1.
Kicking off at 7pm TT time: Dominica-Martinique.
At 7:30pm: Antigua and Barbuda-Grenada.
At 8:00pm: Curacao-USVI.
Appreciate the updates breds :beermug:
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St. Kitts and Nevis defeated SVG today. 1-0. The match was played in Vincy.
Minutes ago, Dominican Republic, playing at home, defeated French Guiana by a margin of 2-1.
Kicking off at 7pm TT time: Dominica-Martinique.
At 7:30pm: Antigua and Barbuda-Grenada.
At 8:00pm: Curacao-USVI.
Appreciate the updates breds :beermug:
:beermug:
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'4' seems to be the magic number. Martinique dispatched Dominica 4-0 and at half time Curacao went to the dressing room leading 4-0. The second half just started.
At 82' Antigua and Barbuda lead Grenada 4-1. 5-1 final.
Now Curacao 5-0. 6-0.
EDIT: 7-0 final.
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Look how Antigua and Barbuda doh have a Pro League but din waste time with Grenada. :devil:
Before allyuh get too excited, consider Grenada was playing away.
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Look how Antigua and Barbuda doh have a Pro League but din waste time with Grenada. :devil:
Before allyuh get too excited, consider Grenada was playing away.
Isn't the majority of A&B's team comprised of UK based players?
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Look how Antigua and Barbuda doh have a Pro League but din waste time with Grenada. :devil:
Before allyuh get too excited, consider Grenada was playing away.
Isn't the majority of A&B's team comprised of UK based players?
Dahis precisely at de heart of de mischief. Lil Antigua, since the dismantling of the squad they had in de USL, have found their "formula". Not a novel one but with a particularly high foreign presence for their population size.
Ah mean, how large is the Antiguan diaspora? I can't imagine it's larger than ours in the UK.
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Are you suggesting that we make our team of majority diasporans?
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Wondering a couple things:
* Proportionally, where de other Hoytes, Boucauds and Bostocks? Is our UK well shallow or can we be more discriminating because of the Pro League product?
* Where would the Pro League lie in the ladder of English football? Not structurally, but in terms of compatible player quality. Honestly.
In SH's first Caribbean Cup ... may be mistaken, but I recall that being the one hosted in Antigua ... I doh recall the Benna Boys having a squad tilted the way it is now. What did they do, put up flyers? :devil:
Edit: thinking it wasn't SH, but Barber. Anyhow, de one in Antigua ...
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Are you suggesting that we make our team of majority diasporans?
At the end of the day, better a domestic B team (or a B squad plus some UB40s) than an A team totally diasporic? All depends on whether one takes a short-term view or long-term view? Like Bitter pointed out, this current US team hasn't exactly moved past the days of Thomas Dooley.
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Raith Rovers’ loan star Harry Panayiotou eyeing dream double
By Neil Robertson, The Courier.
(http://www.thecourier.co.uk/polopoly_fs/1.926552.1456760025!/image/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_620/image.jpg)
Raith Rovers’ on-loan Leicester striker Harry Panayiotou is daring to dream of a delightful double – the Foxes to win the Premier League and the Kirkcaldy side to make it into the promotion play-offs.
Last week was a notable one for the 21-year-old as he helped Ray McKinnon’s side to back-to-back wins over Livingston and Morton and also received another international call-up for St Kitts for the 2016 Caribbean Cup which takes place from the 26th to the 29th of this month.
Before that, Panayiotou, who made his Raith debut at the start of last month at Stark’s Park against Rangers, is now relishing a trip to the home of the same opponents tonight to play in front of what he hopes is the biggest crowd of his career so far.
He said: “It was a great win on Saturday against Morton and brings us one step closer to the play-offs.
“I am just thankful for the victory and hopefully we can keep going.
“I also got my call-up to St Kitts last week. We have Aruba away and Antigua at home.
“They are two big games but we have a good squad and I think we will qualify.
“I love playing for St Kitts – it is the best feeling in the world playing for your country.
...
http://mobile.lcfc.com/news/article/panayiotous-st.-kitts-side-advance-in-caribbean-cup-3138055.aspx
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Looks like we will be playing Martinique and Dominican Republic. Only three teams in the group.
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Benna Boys match fees to be paid soon, says Derrick
By Neto Baptiste, Antigua Observer
"Footballers will be paid in “short order”.
This is the word from General Secretary of the Antigua & Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) Gordon Derrick, who added that a new payment agreement is also being finalised and is expected to come on stream shortly.
“Remember I told you it is going to take some time because we are trying to put together a proper document and get back to the players before they get back to us. They have been working on it and everyone is happy and we have time now, so we want to make sure it is in place for sure and operational before the next round,” he said.
“The match fees that were there before, as you know the game (against Grenada) just finished, so we are doing the accounting and we expect to have them paid out in short order,” he added.
Reports had indicated that some senior players refused to turnout for training until the outstanding match fees owed to them were paid by the ABFA.
As a result of their “no show” at training sessions they were replaced in the squad ahead of third round action in the CFU Caribbean Cup Men’s Tournament.
The players, Derrick said, are owed for only four matches.
“There were two games prior (to the latest CFU Caribbean Cup Group A) and there are two games now, so that’s four games total and it’s $150 per game, so you are talking $600 per person and that’s US (United States dollars). It’s not a lot of money in terms of outlay, but it is due to them and they should have it, but it’s just that our cash flow was a bit tied up, so we are trying to free up our cash flow and get things sorted out,” he said.
Antigua & Barbuda advanced to the next round of the Caribbean Cup following a 5-1 trouncing of Grenada at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground on June 7.
The Benna Boys will now be grouped alongside Curacao and Martinique.
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Who are the teams in T&T group for the next round in October?
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Who are the teams in T&T group for the next round in October?
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ClZ4lokWkAAI03S.jpg:large)
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Who are the teams in T&T group for the next round in October?
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ClZ4lokWkAAI03S.jpg:large)
I believe we will have home field advantage. The team receiving the bye into the round is supposed to host.
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where we playing the games in October vz Dom Rep and Martinique ??
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We playing Dominican Republic in T&T at a venue yet to be determined.
We playing Martinique at Stade Pierre-Aliker, Fort-de-France, Martinique.
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whats the format for the rest of the cfu competition?
is it the same thing stuffed into a intl break week? arnt all our intl breaks covered by hex games?
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thanks
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whats the format for the rest of the cfu competition?
is it the same thing stuffed into a intl break week? arnt all our intl breaks covered by hex games?
Round 3: Oct. 5-11 (FIFA International Dates)
Fifth-place playoffs: Nov 9-15 (FIFA International Dates)
Final Round: June 22-25, 2017 (FIFA Confederations Cup in process)
The only potential conflict is if we buss in Round 3 and end up in the 5th place playoffs.
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Curacao appoint new head coach ahead of Scotiabank Caribbean Cup third round
CFU
St. John’s, Antigua – The Curacao Football Federation announced the appointment of Remko Bicentini as national head coach ahead of their third round Scotiabank CFU Caribbean Cup Qualifiers.
Bicentini who was assistant to Patrick Klivert in the Curacao national team setup will take charge for Group 3 encounters versus Antigua and Barbuda and Puerto Rico, as Curacao seek to make their first appearance at the next edition of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Remko Bicentini is a former professional footballer at Dutch side NEC where he played as a central defender.
NOTE: Bicentini is also a former coach of the Netherlands Antilles. In July 2016, Kluivert was named Director of Football at Paris St.-Germain.
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GFF appoints Englishman Ian Greenwood ahead of Scotiabank CFU Caribbean Cup matches
CFU
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has announced that Englishman Ian Greenwood is the new Technical Director (TD) of the federation replacing Canadian based Guyanese Claude Bolton who resigned with effect from March 1st , 2016.
According to the news from Kaietur news online's website.
Greenwood brings a lot of experience and a great resume as well. Mr. Ian Greenwood is an English UEFA-Qualified Coach, with over 10 years of coaching/management experience at various levels of the sport including the U-14, U-15, U-16, U-18 and U-21 teams at Leeds United Football Club and seven years’ experience in coach education.
added Greenwood functioned as Development Coach, Head Coach and Academy Coach for a number of English Football Clubs including Huddersfield Town Football Club – of the English Championship, 2007 – 2014 (Academy Coach); Leeds City College Football Academy, 2010 – 2012 (Head Coach); and Leeds United Football Club (English Championship) – his last place of employment – as a Development Coach (2004 – 2007) and as Academy Coach (2014 – 2016) respectively.
As part of his job, he designed club curriculum and technical programmes. He also supported squad and team management at various levels of the academy to progress players to the first team and youth international squads.
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Matches, October 5
Jamaica v. Suriname*
Haiti v. French Guiana
Curacao v. Antigua & Barbuda
Trinidad &Tobago v. Dominican Republic
* Jamaica v. Suriname was postponed due to weather concerns. However, not sure why reports have not confirmed the same for Haiti's match. It was said to be under review during the course of the day ... a situation that seems entirely insensitive to travel arrangements.
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So any news about Bostock? Are we too small to get a response from the big boys or are they holding us hostage?
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Perhaps the "Secretariat" is still "monitoring the Haiti situation". ::)
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See that Curacao beat Antigua & Barbuda 3-0 at home as well
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Who wants to make a bet that Curacao will either win the cfu or finish as a runner up to the Champions.
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Martinique just beat Dominican Republic 2-1. The Dominicans tied it late in the second half. Martinique pushed and scored in the 84' minute.
Guyana gave up a 1 goal lead in the 57' minute to Suriname. After 90 minutes the score was tied 1-1. Suriname scored 2 goals in extra time. Guyana 1 - 3 Suriname is the final score.
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I have to agree with gawd on pitch Curacao is the team to watch, judging by Martinique result tonite we dont need worry too much, we must not relax though.Curacao beating Ant and Bar 3 nil, that is a big defeat, they have been improving steadily, they will challenge the best in the Caribbean.
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Indeed Frico. What even gives them more strength is the base they set up to train the Curacao descendents in Netherlands. In other words, they can get away with not having to gather the team in Curacao. I believe they have about 18 or so players based in the Netherlands.
Watch how much internationals they get before the Gold cup. With a base in Netherlands, there is no need to travel abroad for friendlies against good competition.
Some FYI, Kluivert is no longer the coach of Curacao..
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gawd on pitch I wasn't aware of the reason for Curacao's great improvement,now I know because you mention it.I still feel that at our best,we should take care of them,at least we shouldn't lose.Surely we will meet them.
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They have improved recently. I think they actually beat us recently in an unofficial friendly. Watched the game they payed against DR earlier in cc qualifying. Still think we have more quality. Should beat them but would be no walk in the park.
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St. Kitts Nevis lost yesterday for the first time in a year (I think this was the 7th outing). French Guiana 1 SKN 0.
SKN can still top the group.
Nonetheless, there is an issue for CFU to address because SKN did not receive a field on which to train, despite French Guiana's acknowledgement of that responsibility. Not good enough!
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For the French readers/speakers:
http://www.sofoot.com/jacques-passy-si-on-va-a-la-gold-cup-c-est-comme-si-andorre-se-qualifiait-pour-l-euro-433122.html
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Guyana 2 Jamaica 1 at 90+
Puerto Rico is trailing Curacao 3-2 with the 120' mark approaching.
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Jamaica have equalized. Curacao netted a 4th.
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We trailing in extra time...smh
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Jamaica come back from 2 nil down and win the game 4-2.
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This team gone flat, all of a sudden. Now, they have to go thru some playoff for a Gold Cup spot. They'll get embarrassed in the Hex, if they come out like this.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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We lost 2 nil. Watched what I could in the game. My thoughts are this. SH has reached as far as he could go with this team. We are in for a mauling in the Hex. I think his biggest weakness is that he seems unable to assess players (CYrus) and cant accept when players are having a bad game. Why did Ceasar even come back on in the second half?
If I have to watch another game with Cyrus starting then I am done with this team and SH. He seems incapable of fixing that leaking defence. Maybe its time to get him some help or just find someone who could take this team to the next level. I am truly sorry. SH cant take us to the promise land!!
For heaven's sake what does this man see in Cyrus? Probably the worst right back that has ever played for a senior national team. Our midfiled is shot! Save for Kevon George but even he cant do it alone. We are unable to string two decent passes in the midfiled without losing the ball and my little wonder Kid (Garcia) seems intent on running straight into players and losing the ball. Hyland never dominates and Joevin, like Hyland is inconsistent. I could go on and on but my pet beef is Cyrus.
I would like to know what secrets he holding for SH or what he is seeing that every other coach, outside of T&T does not see.
We have returned to the boom Kick and that will bring about our demise in the HEX.
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Guyana cyah preserve a lead to save dey life.
Jamaica 4 Guyana 2.
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This game made me realize how mentally weak our players are, you rough them up and throw them off their momentum and they perform poorly, it never fails. But on the flip side our stride was badly broken with the molino incident and losing jones very early in the game. Our mental toughness is nonexistent.
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Team gone flat at the wrong time. We'll get embarrassed in this Hex, if we come out like this, especially on the road vs dem Central American teams.
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Need to learn to grind out wins. Need a fighting spirit. We don't seem to have it. Once things aren't going our way we fold up like a wet paper bag. This is a metaphor for Trinidad society yes. Its a mental thing. We had more than enough talent to do the job.
Thing is they not learning and time just ran out.
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"He seems incapable of fixing that leaking defence."
Weird statement after 194 minutes without conceding a goal ::)
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Has there been any announcement about the scheduling of the competition?
The Hex and Fifth Round playoff are both currently scheduled for the same dates...
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We have to play 5th place uncaf right? So probably a team like ES or Nicaragua who we ketch we nenen against last year at home. Thats assuming we could beat the likes of French Guyana and Suriname...... sad state of affairs
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Caribbean Cup: Third-round games rescheduled
CONCACAF.com
The Caribbean Football Union announced Sunday the dates for a trio of 2016/17 Caribbean Cup, third-round games that were postponed earlier in the month due to Hurricane Matthew-related reasons.
New dates are follows:
GROUP 1
November 13, 2016: Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex – Kingston, Jamaica
Jamaica v Suriname
GROUP 2
November 9, 2016: Stade Sylvio Cator – Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Haiti v French Guiana
November 13, 2016: Warner Park Stadium – Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Kitts & Nevis v Haiti
Curacao and Martinique have already sealed berths in the Caribbean Cup semifinals, which will be played next year, and the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The Group 1 and 2 winners will join them in both events.
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We end up getting a benefit from that hurricane/postponed games. This means that the 5th spot playoff will most likely be in January. I'm assuming probably around the same time as the UNCAF championship.
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Well look at this:
French Guyana 5 - 2 HAITI
Haiti 2- 0 St kitts
So guess what. We playing Suriname at home. And Haiti in Haiti. Don't like the draw at all.
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My mistake. Concacaf website saying one thing. But based on the results, Haiti did not make the 5th place playoff. Looks like we got Antigua on the road.
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T&T to host CFU playoffs for Gold Cup qualifiers
TTFA Media
Trinidad and Tobago will host the CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifying Caribbean final leg playoffs from January 4th to 8th, 2017.
This was confirmed by the Caribbean Football Union and will see the National Senior Teams of Haiti and Suriname join Trinidad and Tobago as the three second placed teams from the recent Caribbean Cup semi-final qualifying round, vying for the opportunity to advance to a final playoff against the fifth placed team of Central America.
T&T will face Suriname on January 4th followed by a clash between Haiti and Suriname on January 6th. T&T will play the final match of the playoffs against Haiti on January 8th. The venue for the games will be confirmed by the TTFA shortly but is likely to be played at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.
The four teams which have qualified directly to the Gold Cup from the Caribbean include Martinique, Curacao, French Guiana and Jamaica which defeated Suriname 1-0 in a rescheduled match in Kingston on Sunday. The Jamaicans with six points, topped their qualifying group ahead of Suriname (3 pts) and Guyana (0).
All Season Pass Holders will be allowed free entry into all matches in the Gold Cup playoffs through usage of their passes.
These Season Passes remain on sale at all First Citizen’s Bank Branches as well as at the TTFA Head Office, Hasely Crawford Stadium or call the hotline at 270-6868.
The Central American Cup (Copa Centroamericana) from which the fifth placed team from that region will be determined, will be played in Panama. The competition, which is also the region’s qualifying event for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, will be played January 17-28, 2017.
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Tallman, there must be an error. Because according to the rules of the tournament, Antigua gets the final spot over Haiti. Both Antigua and Haiti ended the tournament tied on points and goal difference. Precedence is given to the team that won and got their points during regulation. Haiti needed overtime to get their 3 points. Antigua did not need overtime to get their 3 points. Perhaps the press release will be updated soon.
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Tallman, there must be an error. Because according to the rules of the tournament, Antigua gets the final spot over Haiti. Both Antigua and Haiti ended the tournament tied on points and goal difference. Precedence is given to the team that won and got their points during regulation. Haiti needed overtime to get their 3 points. Antigua did not need overtime to get their 3 points. Perhaps the press release will be updated soon.
I eh know, but even on CONCACAF.com (http://www.concacaf.com/category/caribbean-cup-men/schedule-results), they show Haiti as a participant
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I know. I was confused too. Maybe not the best source.. But Wiki t have Antigua and Haiti taking the spot.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Caribbean_Cup_qualification
They do have a footnote about how and why Antigua gets the spot over Haiti. I think in the end it will be Antigua. . unless they changed the rules, which I doubt.
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They do have a footnote about how and why Antigua gets the spot over Haiti. I think in the end it will be Antigua. . unless they changed the rules, which I doubt.
In this article (http://haititempo.com/coupe-caraibes-2017-les-grenadiers-se-sauvent-in-extremis-et-gardent-encore-espoir-pour-la-gold-cup/), the Haitians seem to think that they have the spot. Hopefully the CFU will issue an official release to clear up the matter.
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We will see Tallman. Haiti will be very disappointed when they find out that Antigua will be replacing them. Just a matter of time
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Guys the Haitian soccer federation calls FIFA and confirm it that Haiti is in...and CONCACAF.com wouldn't report it unless they have confirmation from FIFA..
Beside you are a world cup potential contender team, wouldn't you like to play Haiti instead of Antigua. It would be a better team to measure against rather than Antigua..You should be cheering for Haiti to make it so that you can measure against a decent team with all its payers available...by then, Haiti will have all its payers..Haiti didn't have most of his players in the F. Guiana game.. they will be ready in January and T&T will be ready...it will be a nice fair fight..
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Guys the Haitian soccer federation calls FIFA and confirm it that Haiti is in...and CONCACAF.com wouldn't report it unless they have confirmation from FIFA..
They need to call CFU. CFU sets the rules for the tournament.
Haiti appears to have made it, based on the number of goals scored.. despite having the same goal difference as Antigua. Where Antigua qualifies is through the rules. i.e. games won within regulation time. Haiti won their game a.e.t.. which means Antigua goes through. I will see if I can locate the source for the rule.
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Guys the Haitian soccer federation calls FIFA and confirm it that Haiti is in...and CONCACAF.com wouldn't report it unless they have confirmation from FIFA..
Beside you are a world cup potential contender team, wouldn't you like to play Haiti instead of Antigua. It would be a better team to measure against rather than Antigua..You should be cheering for Haiti to make it so that you can measure against a decent team with all its payers available...by then, Haiti will have all its payers..Haiti didn't have most of his players in the F. Guiana game.. they will be ready in January and T&T will be ready...it will be a nice fair fight..
From what we seen happen last January, I'm sure most of us on here will prefer to take our chances with A&B.
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Guys the Haitian soccer federation calls FIFA and confirm it that Haiti is in...and CONCACAF.com wouldn't report it unless they have confirmation from FIFA..
Beside you are a world cup potential contender team, wouldn't you like to play Haiti instead of Antigua. It would be a better team to measure against rather than Antigua..You should be cheering for Haiti to make it so that you can measure against a decent team with all its payers available...by then, Haiti will have all its payers..Haiti didn't have most of his players in the F. Guiana game.. they will be ready in January and T&T will be ready...it will be a nice fair fight..
From what we seen happen last January, I'm sure most of us on here will prefer to take our chances with A&B.
haha, ent
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CFU's Steve Harvey moment
By Neto Baptiste (Antigua Observer)
The Antigua & Barbuda senior national football team was in and then out of the three-team playoff round-robin to determine the country advancing from the ongoing Caribbean Cup and into next July’s Gold Cup in the United States of America (USA).
This after the Caribbean Football Union (CFU), early Monday morning, name Antigua & Barbuda alongside Trinidad & Tobago and Suriname as the three teams advancing to the playoff round.
That changed just hours later with Antigua & Barbuda being replaced by Haiti the “best overall second place finisher” to challenge Trinidad & Tobago and Suriname.
The incident bore similarities to when Hollywood star Steve Harvey accidentally declared Miss Colombia the winner of Miss Universe when she was, in fact, the first runner-up to Miss Philippines.
General Secretary of the CFU, Neil Cochrane, said he has asked that the matter be reviewed.
“What I have asked for is an independent review because Antigua has lodged an official — I don’t want to say complaint — but they are also questioning the interpretation of the rule. They are saying that the original interpretation is the appropriate interpretation based upon where we are and the circumstances prescribed in the rules and regulations,” he said.
Reports are that the Antigua & Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) has filed an official protest, asking that the format used be revisited. CONCACAF has reportedly agreed and is putting together a committee to look into the matter and make a ruling.
Cochrane’s request of the CFU would have of a similar nature.
“I am going to ask my head of competitions to ask the head of competitions for CONCACAF to make a ruling on that and then we just go from there because I would not want to, based upon where I am from, I am not going to make such a decision, I will make that decision come from the head of competition from CONCACAF,” he said.
Reports are that the process could take up to a week before it’s completed.
The winner from the playoff round of the CFU competition, will challenge the fifth placed UNCAF (La Unión Centroamericana de Fútbol) team for the coveted Golf Cup spot.
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Good follow up Tallman. Seems looks like Antigua may get the go ahead based on the rule. Once a rule is set for a competition, and all parties are aware, it will be very difficult to change it by appealing to a larger governing body. CFU did set the rules for the competition and Concacaf approved it.. So I think the decision will go in Antigua's favor.
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This thing is very confusing. I just went through the CFU cup rule book. And I understand why both teams feel they deserve the spot.
But to sum it up, the CFU has provisions for teams that are tied on points and goal difference etc, WHO ARE IN THE SAME GROUP. But they never included any rules for deciding the runner ups for the playoff spot. In other words, if you go by the rules for deciding the group winners, Haiti gets the spot. However there is a clause that gives Antigua the spot. Which is games won during regulation time.
It's too early to say who will get the spot. I thought it might have been Antigua.. But now I really don't know.
http://www.concacaf.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/2016-Mens-Caribbean-Cup-Regulation-English-Feb-2016-ENG.pdf
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This situation is so easy to resolve, is a shame.
Invite both teams to the playoffs. 4 teams, that evens things
out.that is it right dey.
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Although the issue is already resolved, Haiti is in while A&B is out, I agree...Good one ! All the second place finishers should have an opportunity to play for that 5th spot..
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Although the issue is already resolved, Haiti is in while A&B is out, I agree...Good one ! All the second place finishers should have an opportunity to play for that 5th spot..
You sure it resolve now? The article Tallman post says it will take a few weeks.
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Jamaica will be incorporating a Bundesliga 2 player for this tournament (Daniel Gordon, Sandhausen).
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Benna Boys out of playoffs
By Neto Baptiste (Antigua Observer)
Haiti have been given the nod ahead of the Antigua & Barbuda Benna Boys as the best second place finisher and will advance to a three-team round-robin playoff in the finals of the Caribbean Football Union’s (CFU) Caribbean Cup in 2017.
Confirmation came from the CFU General Secretary Neil Cochrane, who said the decision was handed down this week.
“The executive committee of the Caribbean Football Union [has] made a final decision [in] the matter pertaining to the final spot for the best second place finisher of the group to join the fifth place playoff teams in Trinidad & Tobago and Suriname, and that decision is that Haiti will qualify for that third spot,” he said.
Last week, the CFU had first announced Antigua & Barbuda alongside T&T and Suriname as the three teams making up the group before announcing that Haiti would take Antigua & Barbuda’s place owing to a miscalculation on the part of the CFU’s competitions committee.
The Antigua & Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) had then appealed the ruling after which the CFU put a committee in place to review the decision.
According to Cochrane, the ABFA and all other interested parties have been notified of the committee’s finding and what it means for each.
“The decision basically confirms that the application of the rule was appropriate in so far as the second go-around and not the first or actual application so, yes, we are confirming that Haiti has been given the nod to proceed as the third team and they will proceed to the playoffs which will proceed in January,” he said.
The winner from the playoff round of the CFU competition will challenge the fifth placed UNCAF team for the coveted Gold Cup.
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And whom might that UNCAF team be?
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And whom might that UNCAF team be?
We wouldn't know until the completion of the 2017 Copa Centroamericana tournament which runs from January 17-28.
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Bascome back in Bermuda fold
By Lawrence Trott, Royal Gazette.
Andrew Bascome has decided against stepping down as Bermuda coach and will lead the team against Canada in a friendly match at the National Stadium next month. A frustrated Bascome said he would be quitting his post after Bermuda were eliminated from the Scotiabank Caribbean Cup after losing a second-round match 3-0 to French Guiana in Cayenne in June. It is understood that Bascome reconsidered his position after talks with Maurice Lowe, the Bermuda Football Association technical development director, although it is unknown whether he has committed himself for the next cycle of World Cup qualifying and Caribbean Cup tournaments. Bermuda take on Canada on January 22.
Mark Wade, the BFA president, said he has long been an admirer of Bascome’s coaching qualities and is delighted that he has decided to continue. “Maurice had some conversations with Andrew immediately when he returned from French Guiana and those discussions were obviously productive and Andrew has decided he will continue,” said Wade, who replaced Larry Mussenden as president in September.
“The story itself was garnered from Andrew while he was still abroad and he expressed some frustrations then.
“We’re just happy that Maurice has been able to deal with it very quickly.
“I’ve always been an admirer of Andrew, both as a player and a coach, and I think he brings the right approach to what we’re trying to accomplish.
“Hopefully we can build on the successes that we did have and get ourselves geared and ready for 2018 when we should be playing in the Caribbean Cup.”
Bascome informed the The Royal Gazette of his decision to quit soon after his team’s disappointing loss to French Guiana — a rearranged match after the first game between the two sides was abandoned because of torrential rain, with Bermuda leading 1-0.
Bascome said it was time for a “younger man” to take charge and to prepare the team for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
“It’s time for someone else now,” Bascome said in June. “I was brought in four years ago to prepare the team for this competition and I’m satisfied that I’ve done my best.
“It’s been a great experience, I’ve travelled to countries I never thought I would see, and I’m grateful to the BFA for giving me that opportunity.”
Another factor behind Bascome’s initial decision to relinquish his coaching duties was his growing annoyance at being detained at US Customs and Border Protection whenever he leaves the island.
Bascome has to obtain a waiver to travel to the United States after being charged with possession of a small amount of cannabis about 20 years ago.
“The travelling has become very difficult for me, as I get pulled over by customs every time I leave the island,” Bascome said.
Bermuda’s match against Canada could signal a new dawn for the national team programme, with the island’s under-20 side competing in the Concacaf Championship in Costa Rica in February. Kyle Lightbourne’s team have been pitted against the host country, El Salvador and Trinidad and Tobago in group C.
Wade hinted that the Canada match could serve as exposure for some of the under-20 players before the Concacaf Championship — a competition Bermuda qualified for after finishing runners-up in their group at the Caribbean Football Union Championship in Curaçao in October.
“I don’t want to speak out of turn but we may see some of the under-20 players getting some senior experience,” he said.
“There are youngsters out there who have had a taste of international football at the senior level and are still hungry for it.
“We’re looking forward to the match against Canada; it’s something that has been in the works for a long time.
“For one reason or another it hasn’t come off in previous years, but there’s always been a desire for us to play Canada.
“Their schedule is very tight, the MLS season is over and they will be having a training camp and will pop over to Bermuda for the match and go back to the camp.
“Some of their players will want some time off before they go back into MLS pre-season, which will be in February.
“We were only able get the one match, but it will be an invaluable experience for all of our players.”
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Well if last year someone had said to me Curacao will be the next Caribbean Football Champs I would have never believed.
Congrats to Curacao on winning the 2016 title in 2017 :beermug: :D
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Well if last year someone had said to me Curacao will be the next Caribbean Football Champs I would have never believed.
Congrats to Curacao on winning the 2016 title in 2017 :beermug: :D
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I knew they would be in the final. . To be quite honest, I watched them play Canada and they struggled. From what I seen, they can't beat we. If we were in the GC, we would show them..
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Well if last year someone had said to me Curacao will be the next Caribbean Football Champs I would have never believed.
Congrats to Curacao on winning the 2016 title in 2017 :beermug: :D
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I knew they would be in the final. . To be quite honest, I watched them play Canada and they struggled. From what I seen, they can't beat we. If we were in the GC, we would show them..
We could not beat Grenada, so I won't be so confident. Anyway like you said 'if' we were in the GC, but we not.
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Well if last year someone had said to me Curacao will be the next Caribbean Football Champs I would have never believed.
Congrats to Curacao on winning the 2016 title in 2017 :beermug: :D
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I knew they would be in the final. . To be quite honest, I watched them play Canada and they struggled. From what I seen, they can't beat we. If we were in the GC, we would show them..
We could not beat Grenada, so I won't be so confident. Anyway like you said 'if' we were in the GC, but we not.
You mean Martinique? We play Grenada with a B team.
Curacao never look good at all when they play Canada. Trust me Sando we team that play the Ticos the other day would have taken care of Curacao.
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Too many 'if' 'but' and maybe' when it comes to TnT football. Oh we did not beat Grenada because it was the B team. If we had all our players we could beat Martinique. THe A team just had a bad game against Haiti so we miss out on Copa. It was the C team fault for us not being good enough to get out of a poor quality Caribbean football region to qualify for the HC. Excuses after excuses. A, B, C, D the alphabet continue