Barbados has named its 24-member squad for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League, with a strong overseas-based presence set to bolster the Bajan Tridents for their League B campaign.
Barbados will open against Saint Lucia on September 25 before facing Bermuda at the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium on September 28. The Tridents will then host the Bermudans at the BFA Technical Centre in Wildey on October 2 and 5.
Speaking at Thursday’s squad reveal in Wildey, head coach Kent Hall said the final selection was difficult given the quality of players available. Several players initially called up were unavailable because of injuries and other circumstances.
Despite those setbacks, Hall expressed confidence in the 24 players selected to represent Barbados.
“We’re pretty content that we’ve identified all of the players we think can contribute, and we’re excited now for the next assignment.
“Everyone comes to the island on Monday and we’ll have our first full training session with everybody on Tuesday and then, off to Saint Lucia on Wednesday.”
Hall expects to face stiff competition during the coming weeks, but believes his team will be up to the challenge.
“We are the new boys in League B, so everyone else there has experience and we have to still recognise that in that regard we are the underdogs, but we are not in any way feeling in awe of what we’re up against. We are eager to get out there and show what we can do,” he added.
Addressing the inclusion of 11 overseas-based players, Hall stressed that locally based players were not disadvantaged in the selection process.
“I think the biggest challenge is that you need to be constantly in an environment that really drives you to bring out the best. That’s something we also have to work on in terms of our domestic competition level. But there’s a mix and balance to it, while we also have some youth and some experience,” said Hall.
Among the new faces in the squad is former Chelsea academy goalkeeper Jamal Blackman, a player Hall says has been on Barbados’ radar for some time.
The squad also includes senior-team newcomers Jacob Gollop, Kaliq Lashley and Davion Thorne, all members of Barbados’ most recent Under-17 national team.
They will join an experienced core led by Bolton Wanderers winger Thierry Gale, United States-based captain Andre Applewhaite of CT United, New Mexico United’s Niall Reid-Stephen, Omani Leacock of Jamaica’s Waterhouse FC and veteran Weymouth Wales defender Mario Williams.
Among the notable omissions are Portugal-based winger Nadre Butcher, while the experienced Weymouth Wales quintet of Hayden Holligan, Rashad Jules, Amando Lashley, Ackeel Applewhaite and Kishmar Primus also miss out.
The Nations League squad:
Goalkeepers: Jamal Blackman – Unattached (England), Jireh Malcolm – Paradise FC (Barbados), Kaliq Lashley – Mavericks FC (Barbados).
Defenders:
Ajani Banton – Lehigh University (USA), Jacob Gollop – Woodstock Academy (USA), Mario Williams – Weymouth Wales (Barbados), Raquan Clarke – Paradise FC (Barbados), Shay Prescod – Oklahoma City University (USA),Tyrique Bailey-Edwards – Union Commonwealth University (USA).
Midfielders:
Andre Applewhaite – CT United (USA),Darico King – St. Andrew Lions (Barbados), Davion Thorne – Wotton FC (Barbados),Jaheim Neblett – Weymouth Wales (Barbados),Jaylan Gilkes – Kickstart Rush (Barbados),Lamar Catlyn – Weymouth Wales (Barbados),Omani Leacock – Waterhouse FC (Jamaica,) Sheran Hoyte – Paradise FC (Barbados), Zachary Applewhite – Spartani Sportul (Moldova).
Forwards
Colin Griffith – Portland Timbers (USA), Jaron Oughterson – Paradise FC (Barbados), Niall Reid-Stephen – New Mexico United (USA), Ross Bourne – Atlas United FC (Barbados),Tajio James – Unattached (Barbados),Thierry Gale – Bolton Wanderers (England).
Technical and Support Staff
Kent Hall – Head Coach, Ortis Williams – Team Manager,Marlon Harte – Assistant Coach,Bernard Howell – Goalkeeper Coach,Dennis Callender – Trainer,Johann Lashley – Sports Therapist,Orlando Mapp – Equipment Manager.
(KH)
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