Of course it is! This Haiti team performed very well in the Gold Cup qualifying series in Jamaica and was boosted by the addition of its French-based players for the friendly in Miami, USA against T&T last Friday evening.
In the first place, the players themselves understand the value of good performances in the Gold Cup, if only for their own benefit of catching the attention of international scouts across the world.
There is no doubt in my mind that some of these players are worth entries into Division One leagues across the world and this happens to be their chance to show these guys their motion.
Secondly, head coach Stephen Hart finally got some valuable training time for about three weeks prior to the tournament, which allowed the coaching staff to mentor the players who appeared to be lethargic in their previous approach.
His decision to include Rundell Winchester and Kevan George ahead of Kenwyne Jones, Andrew Boucaud and Khaleem Hyland must be considered a step in the right direction, especially as these lads have been hard at work with their teams in Europe. The training sessions may well be enough to sharpen them for the big day against Guatemala.
I reckon that Winchester and Plaza could be our most potent strike pair and if given a well-balanced defense line and midfield, they can be the key players on game day.
I have the confidence in Sheldon Bateau and Daniel Cyrus in central defense simply because both are useful players in their ground work while their speed and aerial play could be ideal against the short Guatemalans.
Our midfield must win possession for our team to gain ascendency. Peltier will offer speed on the right, Guerra and Cato speed on the left. Skipper Jones and Plaza will be at the front with a definite share of attack from Winchester somewhere during the game when a fresh pair of legs is needed.
Joevin Jones will certainly provide the multi-tasking of defending well on the left side and getting into attack on the flank, with his superb left crosses.
A big question will be whether Abu Bakr can fit in the right wing back position or be more comfortable in central midfield with Bateau asked to complete a strong defense line. I prefer this pattern.
What seems somewhat encouraging is that the return to working collectively may have been achieved by communications among the staff and the players.
I expect that our points will be guaranteed by defeating both Guatemala and Cuba, but I have to admit that Mexico’s preparation for this cup was given priority over their Copa America participation, where they played with an Under 23 squad instead of their marquee players.
Our intention must be expansive, knowing that the World Cup qualifying series is near and every game must be seen within the context of our opponents throughout that challenging route to Russia in 2018.