The Bajan Tridents are set for the start of their CONCACAF Nations League campaign, with the full 24-member squad now assembled and preparing to leave Barbados on Wednesday for their opening Group B encounter against Saint Lucia.
The Tridents will face Saint Lucia at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground on Friday before returning to the same venue on September 28 to take on Bermuda.
Barbados will then host Bermuda in back-to-back matches at the BFA Technical Centre in Wildey on October 2 and 5, as the Tridents look to make their mark in the competition.
Coach Kent Hall said the squad has settled well, with the overseas-based players now on island and the team focused on the task ahead.
Manager Kent Hall is upbeat ahead of the campaign. (Photo Credit: Kurtis Hinds)
Speaking to members of the media during a practice session at the BFA Technical Centre on Tuesday, Hall said the players were upbeat as preparations intensified.
“Everyone’s in good spirits, and the guys are now reconnecting, so we’re really excited about getting out there and polishing up a little bit, but yeah, so far so good.”
Hall is well aware of the threat posed by Saint Lucia, who won the last encounter between the two sides.
“Most St Lucian sides that I’ve seen, they tend to be full of running and they always bring a pretty physical game, so we expect that. That’s the nature of senior football so we’re ready for that,” Hall added.
Captain Andre Applewaithe is one of the team’s US-based players, and he’s also eager to get on the field for the opening two games this weekend.
“The guys are communicating well with one another, gelling well in the camp, and we’re just preparing for the first game at hand against Saint Lucia.
“This squad has a lot of new faces, a lot of players getting their first cap, so it’ll be exciting as they mix with the other guys who are coming back and are ready to give their all to represent Barbados as well,” Applewaithe explained.
The CT United player says his team is not prepared to dwell on past results and is clear in its objectives.
“Yeah, it’s going to be a different mindset, as I said, it’s a new campaign so everything is fresh and what has passed has passed. We’re just looking forward to doing the best we can against some very good sides,” he added.
Bolton Wanderers-based winger Thierry Gale has been in exceptional form for his English Championship side.
Bolton Wanderers winger Thierry Gale (centre) participating in Tuesday’s practice session. (Photo Credit: Kurtis Hinds)
He hopes to keep up that goalscoring run while on national duty.
“I mean, life in the championship is good, as you can see. I’m enjoying it and just want to keep scoring more goals and making everybody happier.”
Gale says his intention is to hopefully score in each game, while contributing to a Barbados victory.
Now a seasoned member of the senior squad, he has grown accustomed to the role and the expectations.
“My ambition was always to play with the national team and always to get Barbados as far as I could. I am still the same person, and still humble,” he said.
(KH)
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