We won’t be taking any team for granted.
With those words from head coach Colin Forde, Barbados’ agenda has been set for the first qualifying round in the Caribbean Football Union’s annual tournament.
The team heads off to Martinique tomorrow morning to do battle against the hosts, Suriname and Bonaire.
“We have to take every team seriously. Martinique is well established with their French style and Suriname has their Dutch connections and even though Bonaire is unknown we will play them just as hard,” Forde told the SUNDAY SUN.
The Bajans will be bolstered by the inclusion of Wigan’s Emmerson Boyce who will captain the team.
Forde said that Boyce’s experience will be crucial to the organisation of the side.
He added that he was very pleased with the composition of the squad.
Good mixture
“We have a good mixture of youth and experience that can get the job done.
“We have the experience of players like Rommel Burgess and Barry Skeete and youngsters like Sebastian Hunte and Jomo Harris who came through from the under-17 ranks.”
Barbados’ first group game is against Suriname on Wednesday, followed by matches against Bonaire and Martinique on Friday and Sunday, respectively. Only one team will progress to the next round.
Forde knows all too well it won’t be an easy road.
“We know what we are up against but I have confidence we are up to the task,” he said. (AT)
