Wesley Hall and Grantley Prescod will contest the final of the 2014 BICO-sponsored National Sports Council’s Primary Schools Football Competition. 

Today at the National Stadium Wesley Hall defeated George Lamming 3-2 in a thrilling encounter while Grantley Prescod had a similarly exciting victory, 2-1, over Cuthbert Moore.

Wesley Hall goal-scorer Rivaldo Clarke (left), captain Kemar John (right) and other team-mates celebrate their school’s goal.

Grantley Prescod and Cuthbert Moore were engaged in an intriguing and evenly matched tussle from the first whistle but it would be Grantley Prescod who drew first blood in the first half through a free-kick just outside the 18-yard box.

Grantley Prescod captain Devonte Richards’ beautifully executed shot at goal floated through the air and curled precisely into the goal bars.

The boys from Pine South Boulevard, St Michael took the 1-0 lead into the half-time break. They would expand that lead in the second half when Deshawn White passed the ball to right-wing Rashad Haynes who tapped it to Richards. Richards then held off two Cuthbert Moore defenders and striker Ranaldo Roberts who was inside the box took control of the ball and placed it to the right of Cuthbert Moore’s goalkeeper Azario Waithe.

Cuthbert Moore midfielders Shabari Lynch and Jashawn Kirton along with centre-back Enrique Sealy, left-wing Kevin Wickham and left-back Raheem Wickham all went searching for that illusive goal in the second half but Grantley Prescod defender Lamario Springer was exceptional for his team. Springer fought hard to clear anything that came his way and the frustration on the faces of Cuthbert Moore players said it all.

Cuthbert Moore’s left-wing Kevin Wickham takes on three Grantley Prescod defenders.

However, Cuthbert Moore’s prayers were answered in the dying stages of the game when they were awarded a penalty after a Grantley Prescod player handled the ball in the box. Captain Shabari Lynch stepped up to the line to take the shot but was denied by Grantley Prescod goalkeeper Zico Harewood who got his hands to the ball.

Grantley Prescod’s goalkeeper Zico Harewood makes a good save against Cuthbert Moore.

However, Harewood failed to hold on to the ball and Lynch booted the rebound into the back of the nets. The consolation goal came mere seconds before the referee blew his whistle to end the game.

In the other semi-final, George Lamming started off at a frenetic and productive pace with their vice-captain and right-winger Zane Knight scoring two early goals in the first half. Captain Chrislon Green sent in a cross to Knight who was unmarked outside the penalty area and Knight blasted the ball over the Wesley Hall goalkeeper Jacobi Fenty’s head and into the nets. Knight was having a dream game in the first half and he would add another goal for his team when Shawneko Moore took a shot at goal inside the box and the goalkeeper pushed the ball out.

One of the Wesley Hall defenders went to clear the ball, botched the effort, and Knight was at the right place at the right time to slide the ball into the back of the bars. This had Wesley Hall Juniors looking very perturbed but they steadied themselves. Rivaldo Clarke from the right sent in a cross to striker Rael Bowen who scored an easy goal to put the score at 2-1 going into half time.

When play resumed in the second half, Wesley Hall Juniors really came to the party when their captain Kemar John took a free kick and scored what was a gem of a goal. He took the kick from about the half-line and the ball curled and went past George Lamming goalkeeper Kashawn Stoute to level the score at 2-2.

Both teams tried for that deciding goal but it was not to be up to the end of regulation time. The game went into extra time and Wesley Hall found that all important goal through Rivaldo Clarke who was magnificent throughout the game.

Clarke ran up the right flank of the field past three defenders and his right-foot shot ensured the King Street, St Michael school a place in the final next Tuesday.

Devonte Richards has got his wish.

The captain of Grantley Prescod Primary delivered on his promise when his two goals led his school to a 2-0 victory over Wesley Hall in the final of the BICO-sponsored National Sports Council’s Primary Schools Football Competition at the National Stadium today.

Grantley Prescod’s captain Devonte Richards (left) challenging the Wesley Hall defender for ball possession. (Picture by Marissa Lindsay)

Prior to the game Richards had told Barbados TODAY he intended to win the title since this was his last opportunity to do so as he would be entering Combermere in September. And his two extra-time strikes made good on that promise.

The final got underway under bright, sunny skies with both teams seemingly feeling out each other and not willing to take undue chances. Wesley Hall’s right-wing Rivaldo Clarke had the first real opportunity at scoring when he took a shot at goal but a strong breeze seemingly took the ball just over the bars. Grantley Prescod’s goalkeeper Zico Harewood and their supporters breathed a sigh of relief.

Wesley Hall controlled about 65 per cent of the ball possession during the first-half with their captain Kemar John who was named most outstanding midfielder, working his magic in the middle and frequently pushing the ball forward to Clarke and left-wing Janash Junai who tried to create a few goal-scoring opportunities but failed to do so. Grantley Prescod’s stubborn defence was marshaled by last man Ramario Springer who was later named the best defender in the tournament. Springer consistently foiled the attempts of Wesley Hall’s strikers to score and the two teams went into the half-time break with the score 0-0.

On resumption the status quo remained. Both teams tried desperately for that game-changing goal but their respective defensive lines remained steadfast, repelling the various opportunities that arose to break the deadlock.  When the whistle blew to end the regulation period the score was still at stalemate and extra time was needed to separate the two.

It was in the first period of extra-time that supporters of the respective teams really found their voices as they witnessed some exciting football. Richards, the tournament’s most prolific scorer, then took the game by the proverbial “scruff of the neck”. The goal came about when Wesley Hall failed to make best use of a free-kick opportunity and the ball was cleared up-field to Richards who was shadowed by two Wesley Hall defenders. Richards took the ball on his right boot, controlled it beautifully while dribbling his way around the two defenders and booted the ball past Wesley Hall goalkeeper Jacobi Fenty to score a terrific goal.

Grantley Prescod’s supporters went wild in the stands after that goal was converted a few seconds before the first period of extra-time ended. In the second-half it was Richards again who would bask in glory when he scored his second goal. He took a free-kick just outside the 18-yard box and the ball curled past Fenty once again and  into the back of the nets to end the game in fine style.

Grantley Prescod’s coach Fernando Best told Barbados TODAY after the game that the title was like winning the World Cup and he was very pleased with his team’s performance.

Fernando Best

“I feel like I won the World Cup and it is a wonderful feeling. I won the Barbados Cup, I won the Footsal and this was the only trophy that was eluding me. There is always a rivalry within the camp of the Pineland Youth Soccer Academy and Wilkie Cumberbatch won last year so Grantley Prescod had to win this year and for sure we will be back to defend next year,” Best said.

The winning coach said that today’s victory was also dedicated to Mary Farley, one of Grantley Prescod’s longstanding teachers who has been at the school for 40 years and would be retiring soon.

The finals of the BICO-sponsored National Sports Council’s Primary Schools Football Competition concluded today with Grantley Prescod defeating Wesley Hall Juniors 2-0 in an exciting finale to the tournament at the National Stadium.

The tournament was marked by the interest shown by numerous parents, guardians and family members who turned up at games across the island. A number of teachers also attended the games to cheer on the youngsters.

Today, following the final, several prizes were given out to the many outstanding players and among these were Grantley Prescod’s captain Devonté Richards who led from the front with the most goals (18) in the competition. Lamario Springer, who was a nightmare for many schools in the tournament with his excellent defending, was named best defender. Kashawn Stoute of George Lamming received the prize for being best goalkeeper. Wesley Hall’s captain Kemar John was named best midfielder while the award for the most outstanding female in the competition went to Caitlyn Padmore of St Gabriel’s School.

Barbados TODAY brings a pictorial review of the action on the final day of the competition.

Grantley Prescod striker Rashad Haynes trying to score with a header as Wesley Hall’s goalkeeper Jacobi Fenty hurries to get back to the goal bars. (Pictures by Marissa Lindsay)

Grantley Prescod’s striker Renaldo Roberts (orange) is strongly challenged by the Wesley Hall defender.

Wesley Hall’s right-wing Rivaldo Clarke looks to charge up the field.

Wesley Hall captain Kemar John (left) seeks to cross the ball before he is reached by Grantley Prescod’s Lamario Springer.

Shaquille Boyce was the star of the show yesterday as Barbados drew 2-2 in their latest encounter in the CFU Under-20 Football Tournament in Cuba.

Barbados were unfortunate not to win the game as the hosts earned a draw deep into extra-time when they scored in the 95^th minute.

Barbados’ final match will be played against St. Vincent and the Grenadines tomorrow at 3 pm.

SAO PAULO – Don’t cry for Argentina; save the tears for the Swiss.

Angel di Maria scored two minutes from the end of extra-time to send Argentina into the World Cup quarter-finals following a 1-0 win over Switzerland in Sao Paulo today.

Di Maria’s erratic performance had been symptomatic of Argentina’s, but he produced the decisive moment of a largely disappointing game to set up a last-eight encounter with Belgium.

Switzerland created the best chances of a first half which failed to match the entertainment that has generally been on offer at the World Cup so far.

Granit Xhaka forced a smart low save out of Sergio Romero on 28 minutes following good work by Xherdan Shaqiri before Josip Drmic tamely chipped the ball straight at the Argentinian keeper after he had been sent clean through.

Argentina displayed greater impetus after half-time but, with Lionel Messi largely subdued, the two-time World Cup winners struggled to fashion clear chances.

Diego Benaglio saved well from Marcos Rojo and Gonzalo Higuain, before the Switzerland keeper was equal to Messi’s low shot and was then up quickly to deny substitute Rodrigo Palacio on the follow-up.

Switzerland’s defender Johan Djourou (L) and Argentina’s forward Gonzalo Higuain (front) vie for the ball during a Round of 16 football match between Argentina and Switzerland at Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on July 1, 2014. (AFP PHOTO / NELSON ALMEIDAJUAN MABROMATA/AFP/Getty Images)

Di Maria brought a flying save out of Benaglio early in the second period of extra-time before the Real Madrid attacker sent Argentina into the last eight with two minutes to go by rolling a low shot beyond the Swiss keeper following a burst of pace from Messi.

Switzerland were agonisingly close to equalising in added time when the unmarked Blerim Dzemaili’s header from inside the six-yard box came back off the post and the rebound deflected wide off the substitute.

Alejandro Sabella looked a worried man on the touchline as his Argentina team failed to break through an organised Swiss defence in the early stages of the first-half as their opponents looked far more dangerous on the attack.

Romero dived to his right to deny Xhaka with his feet and the Argentina goalkeeper saved the follow-up from Stephan Lichtsteiner.

Argentina offered only weak threats at the other end as Ezequiel Lavezzi, starting ahead of the injured Sergio Aguero, shot straight at Benaglio. Switzerland had to resort to some bully-boy tactics to tame the Argentinians at times, though.

A few late tackles flew in and referee Jonas Eriksson ran out of patience, booking Xhaka for tripping Lavezzi.

Then came the best chance of the first half on 39 minutes. Drmic raced through on goal after the ball broke to him in space, but much to Ottmar Hitzfeld’s dismay, the striker attempted a chip which landed straight into Romero’s arms.

Romero frayed Argentinian nerves just after the break when he juggled Shaqiri’s free-kick on the line, but he collected the ball at the third attempt.

Argentina dominated the rest of the second half, but Benaglio would not be beaten. Rojo stung Benaglio’s palms with a fierce shot and the Swiss stopper then stretched to tip over Higuain’s header before Messi hit a spectacular left-foot volley that flew inches over the bar.

Switzerland coach Hitzfeld brought Gelson Fernandes on and within ten minutes he had received a booking for hacking down Di Maria.

Sabella also made a change, bringing Palacio on for Lavezzi. The Inter Milan striker missed a glorious chance with his first touch – a free header that flew wide from Messi’s cross.

With 13 minutes left Benaglio showed immense bravery to push the ball away from Palacio’s feet as he followed up Messi’s shot from the edge of the area.

Benaglio had to be alert for the final ten minutes of the 90 as Argentina launched attack after attack, and he remained the busiest man on the pitch in extra-time, saving in quick succession from Pablo Zabaleta and Higuain.

At the start of the second period Benaglio again saved superbly from Di Maria’s fierce shot from just outside the area.

A penalty shoot-out seemed inevitable, but Di Maria finally beat Benaglio with two minutes left. Palacio won the ball on the halfway line and laid the ball to Messi, who played in Di Maria and he curled his shot into the net.

Wild celebrations ensued, but Switzerland piled forward and they would have equalised a minute later had Dzemaili not hit a post and missed the rebound from two yards.

(Sky)

An own goal and outstanding goal-keeping by Bentley Springer earned Weymouth Wales a 1-0 victory  against the Barbados Defence Force Sports Programme in the final of the KFC Knockout Champions Cup at the National Stadium last night.

Bentley Springer was outstanding in goal for Weymouth Wales. (FP)

The match which was postponed from last Sunday due to the weather pitted two of the island’s leading teams against each other. The BDFSP won this year’s Premier League, successfully defending the title they won last year. Wales placed fourth in the Premier League and was one of the few teams to defeat BDFSP in the tournament.

BDFSP led by Mario Harte, who helped them retain the Premier League title, were hoping to be double crown champions, while  it was the intention of Wales to end the 2014 season with some kind of silverware. Harte, the leading scorer in the Premier League with 23 goals along with his fellow forwards Jamal Chandler and Shaquille Steward, as well as mid-fielders Romario Harewood and Raheim Sargeant, were expected to be thorns in the side of the Wales team.

Wales’ strike force, led  by teenage Jadai Clarke along with Tristan Parris, Carl Joseph and Kemar Headley, were anticipated to be the ones to provide the firing power for the Carrington Village, St Michael-based team. From the time referee Gillian Martindale blew her whistle to start the game, Wales launched an attack on the BDFSP’s defence. They  bombarded the soldiers with several shots.

At that early stage of the game, BDFSP goal-keeper Dario Weir had the appearance of a fortress under attack. In the sixth minute, several Wales strikers converged at the BDFSP penalty area. Jadai Clarke took a right-footed shot at the goal and Zico Phillips attempted to clear the ball but with several Weymouth Wales players bearing down on him he deflected the ball with his right foot past Weir and into the nets. Immediately after the goal was scored BDFSP when on the hunt searching for the equaliser.

The game was into its tenth minute when Shaquille Steward almost up-rooted the goal post with a powerful right-footed shot. Wales held on to the slim lead at half-time. After half time, the BDFSP tried hard to equalise but on each occasion their strikes were thwarted by Springer who was having the game of his life. Several times he dived and plucked the ball off the boots of BDFSP players preventing them from shooting at the bars. On other occasions, he leapt into the air and caught the ball as it zoomed towards the nets.

As the minutes dwindled away, the soldiers tried hard to score the equaliser but to no avail. Harte tried his best but it was not his night. In the dying moments of the game, he tried to curl the ball into the net with a free kick only to see it punched away by Springer. He also tried to bend several corners given by referee Martindale behind the Wales defensive wall but to no avail.  His efforts were noted by the Wales’ fans in the VIP stand and one of them loudly renamed him “Lonely Harte”.

Play got a bit rough toward the end of the game but by then it was clear that the boys from Carrington Village were going to be the knockout kings for 2014. After referee Martindale blew her whistle to indicate that the game was over, the Wales fans gave a loud ironic cheer when the DJ played Boots by Gabby. For his sterling performance, Springer was named Player Of The Match and Clarke received a prize for best forward in the game. Wales were presented with the KFC Cup and a cheque for $20,000 for their night’s work.

Barbadian superstar Rihanna has arrived in Brazil ahead of this evening’s World Cup football final.

Rihanna, who has been tweeting her thoughts on the World Cup throughout the duration of the tournament, posted a picture of herself and the 72-year-old football legend Pele soon after she landed in Rio de Janeiro.

Rihanna looked delighted to have met the legend, who she describes as ‘the great Pele’ on her official Twitter account.

The Pour It Up singer seems to have been following the World Cup extremely closely as she has been posting her thoughts on matches since the opening group games of the prestigious competition.

Brazil, Colombia and Germany are just some of the teams Rihanna has supported over the past couple of weeks.

She was particularly supportive of James Rodriguez, who emerged as one of the stars of the World Cup, after Colombia were knocked out of the competition by Brazil. (Mail Online/BarbadosToday)

An electrifying atmosphere at bars and other locations across the island where all eyes have been glued on the telecast of the 2014 FIFA Football World Cup final.Our photographer Remy Rock has been out and about capturing the action.

These were the scenes at Bubbas and South 7 just ahead of half time, where the score was locked at nil-nil leaving the  match wide open between Germany or Argentina.

Germany’s Mario Goetze scored in the 113th minute to give Germany its fourth World Cup title with a 1-0 win over Argentina at the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The countries split their previous two meetings in the 1990 and 1986 finals. (ABC)

Five players from RBC Capital Markets Barbados Soccer Academy youth teams are currently in the United States attending trials.

Tre Hinds

Ocean Sobers-Henry

Jadon Norville

Edward Okey

Carl Hinkson

Edward Okey, a student of Harrison College, is currently at Duke University in North Carolina attending a showcase. Last year Okey represented the Barbados national Under-17 youth team in Panama in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup quarterfinals. Also he recently returned from Cuba as a member of the national Under-20 team that participated in the preliminary round of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup.

Carl Hinkson and Jadon Norville, also of Harrison College, will be joining Okey at the University of South Florida during the period of July 20-24 for tryouts. Norville is a former student of St Michael School. Hinkson was also a member of last year’s national Under-17 team that participated in the Under-17 World Cup in Panama, he is also a member of the Barbados national Under-20 team that participated in Cuba.

Ocean Sobers-Henry, a former student of Coleridge and Parry and St Leonard’s Boys, is currently at DC United Major League Soccer club for trials. He has so far impressed the coach. Ocean also represented Barbados in Panama and Cuba. These players are expected to attend further trials in the United States at Clemson University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and Campbell University.

Tre Hinds, a student of Queen’s College and a member of the national Under-20 team, is also expected to travel for trials. Hinds represented Barbados at the CARIFTA Games in the Bahamas this year.

Chief executive officer of the Barbados Soccer Academy, Jabez ‘Jack’ Bovell, said that the main objective of the academy was to position its members to access some of top universities in the world, and also create professional contracts for them. Since the academy was founded in 2004 Bovell said it had secured 20 scholarships.

Last week the players were part of the RBC Capital Markets BSA Under-17 team that won the Kick Start International Youth Tournament. Bovell praised the parents of the youngsters for making financial inputs to facilitate the overseas trials.

(PR)

Barbadian female footballers are ready for the first ever Under-15 Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Associations Football (CONCACAF) competition scheduled to take place in the Cayman Islands from August 6.

Coach Thomas Jordan told Barbados TODAY preparations have been going well and he expected the girls to put on a good show in group B which included Trinidad and Tobago, Honduras and the Bahamas.

“Preparation has been going well and we have had perfect attendance. They have actually improved on their techniques and their running ability, they have also improved on their awareness of the game and I am sure they would give a good account of themselves,” Jordan said.

The youthful team started training from the beginning of May and even though the coach does not think the time given was sufficient he is hopeful that the girls would apply what they have learned.

“We train at least three days a week and it is not enough time but it was the time allocated to us and we had problems getting venues to train. The other thing is that most of these girls are beginners so it certainly wasn’t enough but we have utilized the time well. We taught them what we thought they needed to know most of all which is the tactical awareness of the game and we also tried to improve their physical fitness at the same time,” Jordan said.

He added that not many of the girls were up to par in terms of fitness but they tried to incorporate some beach training in the programme to help most of players.

Barbados will take on two established football nations in Trinidad and Tobago and Honduras. But Jordan was confident that his young team had what it took to get the job done and come out on top in the group.

“I expect the biggest challenge to come from those two teams but I am not going to say that we cannot beat them because it is not impossible. But we are looking forward to the challenge. When we get there we will delve into each team and work out a plan for them,” Jordan said.

The Barbados team would be captained by 13-year-old Shai Carrington who will have support from the likes of her twin sister Shaunte Carrington in the midfield and forward Felicia Jarvis. Jarvis has a bit of experience under her belt and should be an asset to her team. The former Luther Thorne student is well known for her outstanding performances in the BICO Primary Schools Football Competition.

The team leave on August 3 and play their first game against the twin island republic on August 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex, then again on August 8 at 5:30 p.m. at the same venue against Honduras. Their third and final match will be at the Ed Bush Sports Complex. Should the local girls advance to the next round they would remain in the Cayman Islands until August 17 to play their next game.

The full squad is: goalkeeper and captain Shai Carrington, substitute goalkeeper Breanna Atherley; defenders Keira Alleyne, Tiffani Bellamy, Shontelle Applewaithe, Taushana Burgess, Aaliyah Boyce, Nashandi Clarke and Omeisha Young; midfielders Rianna Cyrus, Shirrila Edward, Shaunte Carrington, Fabianna Walthrust and Ariel Grant; forwards Felicia Jarvis, Caithlin Padmore, Cheyanna Burnett-Griffith and Shaunte Padmore. Manager is Jaqueline Agard, assistant manager Marsha Farrell, coach Thomas Jordan and assistant coach Richard Forde.

The Barbados Soccer Academy will be hosting the nightly Speightstown Outta Season Tournament, formerly known as the Super League Soccer Tournament, from August 24.

The tourney will comprise of 32 teams participating in eight zones with four teams in each zone. The top two teams in each zone qualify for the knockout stage of 16 teams, then there will be the quarterfinals, semifinals, third place and finals.

The first prize will be $8,000 second place is $3,000 third place is $2,000 and fourth place $1,000

The tournament is expected to be played four times a week, with competition for various team prizes and individual awards throughout. The tournament will also be used to showcase players to the many international college and club coaches expected in the island to scout for talent.

(PR)

Brazilian born Marcos Falopa has been contracted by the Barbados Football Association (BFA) to be the new technical director for the organisation over the next six months.

Falopa, a veteran FIFA-accredited coach of 35 years experience, was introduced to the media by the BFA president Randy Harris during a briefing at the National Stadium today, and said he would like to help with the improvement of football in Barbados as much as he could.

“No [it is not enough time] but everything takes time. I will be here for six months, maybe more, we know it is a short time but we know we can do something. We also started coaching courses and we need more of them,” he said.

Falopa pointed out he would like to see a festival for boys to play and more programmes in communities for youngsters to develop their game. He made mention of former and present international players like Pele, Rivaldo, Ronaldo and even Messi from Argentina who came from small communities in their respective countries and who turned out to be great international players.

Falopa who is no stranger to the island having visited back in 1983 to conduct a training session under then president of the BFA, Adrian Donovan, said the facilities were much better compared to when he visited years ago and should be good enough to work with.

Harris said his organization was mostly concerned about the development of football on the island and as a matter of urgency they wanted to train local coaches.

“If you go to school and you have teachers that are not well trained they would give the wrong message. So basically we are going to license our coaches and I want to say here right now that there is a myth going on in Barbados over the years that coaches who go on short-term coaching courses are not licensed or qualified. What we are going to do is start with the D licence and then we will go on from C, A and B,” Harris said.

He noted that one thing he would like to see come out of the partnership with Falopa were more coaches being trained over the next six months.

“I hope we would have qualified coaches not just at the national level but also at our club level especially for Premier League and Division One because we have a number of coaches who have a good grasp of football but they were never trained. So basically I want to see as many persons in Barbados trained, especially in the secondary schools, and we would like to see teachers get training also,” he said.

Harris said the BFA would take advice from Falopa on national selection and hopefully get some local players attached to clubs overseas whether it was in North America, South America or Europe. Falopa’s stay in Barbados could be extended after the six months depending on what transpires during that period, and in collaboration with FIFA.

Harris explained: “I am very glad that he is here for six months and I know with the assistance of FIFA we can cover the cost of six months and if things go well as I expect them to then we will appeal to FIFA again to continue.”

The BFA boss added that fellow coaches from around the Caribbean could feel free to take part in the coaching sessions if they so desired.

“We do not mind assisting but basically this is a national situation where a coach has come to help our national development. If for any reason our neighbours would like to attend any course or session in Barbados we would be happy to have them,” he stated.

During the briefing it was also revealed that Emmerson Boyce would be returning to national colours. Boyce, 34, born in England to Barbadian parents, first earned his international call-up in 2008 and has played four times for the national team. Boyce, who plays as a right-back or in the centre of the defence, had his greatest triumph in 2013 when he led then Premier League side Wigan Athletic to a 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the final of the FA Cup. Boyce has taken leave from Wigan to represent Barbados in their imminent engagements.

Emmerson Boyce

Falopa will have his hands full when the Barbados senior team travel on September 1 to compete in the Caribbean Football Union’s Championship Cup. The local boys will play in group one against Suriname, Bonaire and host Martinique on September 3, 5 and 7 and return home on the 8th.

The squad is Jason Boxill, Kerry Holder, Dario Weir, Barry Skeete, Andre Bourne, Akeene Browne, Romelle Burgess, Ricardo Morris, Arantees Lawrence, Mario Harte, Kyle Gibson, Armando Lashley, Rashida Williams, Emmerson Boyce, Ranaldo Bailey, Sebastian Hunte, Jamal Chandler, Carl Joseph, Chai Lloyd and Ramario Harewood. Fabian Wharton will manage the team, head coach is Colin Forde, assistant coach is Randolph Cox and trainer is Azard Weekes.

marissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb

Barbados drew 1-1 with Suriname in Group 3 action of the Caribbean Football Union’s 2014 Men’s Caribbean Cup at the Stade Pierre Aliker á Fort de France in Martinique last night.

After a first-half where there were a few missed opportunities, Barbados returned in the second half with greater purpose and were rewarded for their efforts in the 69th minute when Romelle Burgess found the back of the Surinamese nets. However, they were unable to withstand the pressure created by the Suriname side seeking to equalize and conceded their advantage 11 minutes later when Jerney Faerber netted.

In the same group, Martinique defeated Bonaire 6-0 at the same stadium. The hosts went ahead in the 34th minute with a goal from captain Gael Germany who scored his second goal in the 50th minute and completed his hat-trick in the 60th minute.

The other goal scorers were Mathias Couriur in the 75th and Jose Goron in the 80th and 92nd ending the game 6-0. In Group 4, Grenada drew 1-1 with French Guiana at the Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium in Puerto Rico.

Scoring for Grenada was Terry James in the 58th minute and Sylvio Breleur scored for French Guiana in the 59th minute. The other Group 4 game ended in a draw as well with Joseph Marrero netting twice for Puerto Rico in the seventh and 51st minute while Prince Mathilda and Shelton Martis scored for Curacao in the 59th and 82nd minute respectively.

Antigua and Barbuda outplayed Anguilla 6-0 in Group 5 action at the Antigua Recreation Ground in Antigua. Calaum Martin scored in the 8th Kerian Murtagh scored in the 35th and 71st, Tevaughn Harriette in the 41st, Peter Byers in the 55th and Quinton Griffith in the 69th.

St Vincent and the Grenadines clipped Dominican Republic 1-0 in the second game of this group. No goals were scored in either of the two Group 6 games played at the Warner Park Stadium, in St Kitts and Nevis. Guyana drew 0-0 with Dominica and hosts St Kitts and Nevis did likewise against St Lucia. Games are scheduled to continue tomorrow.

(CFU)

Despite a relatively rough tour of Martinique Barbados’ senior football team arrived at Grantley Adams International Airport this morning in high spirits and optimistic about their chances in the next round of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) qualifiers scheduled to take place October 6 to 13 in Haiti.

The arrival party was led by manager Fabian Wharton and senior coach Colin Forde. Wharton told Barbados TODAY that many of his players got sick in Martinique and in addition they were up against it with the likes of a very good Suriname team and hosts Martinique who had four to five professional players in their line-up.

Manager of the Barbados team Fabian Wharton at the Grantley Adams International Airport this morning.

“It was a rough tour for us in many aspects because we had some guys getting sick and we had to dig really deep into our resources to make things happen. At the end of the day it was rough for us because we were playing a Suriname team that was very good and a Martinique team that had in four to five professional players. We also played a Bonaire team that had very fit players and they are a very defensive side but at the end of the day it is the unity within the Barbados team that brought us through.  We had a good combination of senior and junior players so we had a good mix of experience and that also brought us through,” he said.

Wharton said he was very happy with the selection of the squad but added there were some areas that management would focus their attention on and one of those key areas would be the mental aspect of the game.

“I am very happy with the squad we took and the elevens that we played and at the end of the day when you give someone a role they are expected to perform that role to the best of their ability and that was what happened. We asked the guys sometimes to do things that they were not accustomed doing but the entire team pulled together as a unit to achieve that goal. There are some areas that we need to take a look at and among those is the mental aspect of the team which involves holding on to leads and focusing a lot more during play,” the manager said.

Going forward Wharton believed Barbados should do well playing in Haiti because of the unity in the team.

“We always have a good chance and the reason I say that is because this team is together. There are no separations in this team. This is a united and happy team and sometimes a little too happy for my liking because they are always laughing and having fun. The senior and the juniors get along well and the players want to do well and because of that everybody gets along well. I also understand that many people were not expecting us to advance and the fact that we did speaks to the hard work and dedication from the overall team,” he said.

Forde told Barbados TODAY despite having three difficult games it was an excellent performance from the local boys and he was happy with the overall performance in all three games.

Forde said they were hoping to incorporate a few Barbadian-born international players in order to strengthen the team heading off to Haiti in October.

“There are a number of Barbadian players from overseas who have shown interest and if we can get them to come in they can strengthen the side even more. If you can get players from overseas it can only make the team stronger and what we have to make sure to do is bring the right players and not just any players. We need a player that would fit in and one that would really improve the side,” the veteran coach explained.

Barbados will play hosts Haiti, St Kitts and French Guyana in October.

marissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb

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Barbados have advanced to the next round of the 2014 Caribbean Football Union’s Caribbean Cup as the second-placed team in Group 3 after defeating Bonaire 4-1 yesterday in Martinique.

Martinique topped the group with seven points while Barbados collected four points from one win, one draw against Suriname and a heart-breaking loss to the hosts after leading 2-0 at half-time. Nine teams advanced to the next round.

After a goalless first half Barbados’ and Wigan Athletic professional Emmerson Boyce opened the scoring in the second half with a 55th minute strike. Romario Harewood then doubled the lead in the 67th minute and Mario Harte closed off the win with a brace in the 74th and 76th minutes of play.

Emmerson Boyce scored Barbados’ opening goal.(FP)

Bonaire got a consolation goal when Yurick Seinpaul converted from the penalty spot in the 90th. Martinique’s encounter against Suriname ended in a 0-0 draw also in Group 3 yesterday.

In Group 5 host nation Antigua & Barbuda finished undefeated as they came from behind to defeat a well organized St Vincent & Grenadines team 2-1. It was in the first half that Nazir McBurnette scored on the 46th minute. In the second half the Antigua & Barbuda rallied by scoring two goals in the final ten minutes with Akeem Thomas in the 81st minute and Nathaniel Jarvis in the 90th minute securing top spot for the Antiguans.

In the earlier encounter the Dominican Republic hammered Anguilla 10-0. Dominican Republic opened the scoring after Kyle Kentish scored an own goal in the 20th minute. Rony Beard then doubled the lead in the 32nd minute, then Kerby Rodriguez 41st minute. Johnathon Fana added a fourth goal in the 44th minute just before halftime. In the second half Kerby Rodriguez doubled his account on the night with a strike in the 53rd. Rony Beard then scored in the 62nd minute, Fana again in 87th and Domingo Peralta in the 86th and 88th minute. Samuel Zayas then scored the 10th goal of the night in the 90th minute.

Group 5 closed with Antigua advancing at the top of the group with nine points and St Vincent finishing runners-up on six points.

In Group 4 French Guiana and Curacao advanced finishing with five points each. Both nations faced each other on the final day but drew blank with a 0-0 result. Puerto Rico also drew 2-2 with Grenada as the host nation failed to advance into the second round.

Puerto Rico opened scoring in the 29th minute through Hector Ramos. Terry James equalized for Grenada in the second-half but Alex Olkkonen restored the lead in the 68th minute.

But Kitson Baine of Grenada secured a draw when he scored in the 85th minute. Finally in Group 6 St Kitts & Nevis advanced as group winners along with St. Lucia both nations finishing on seven points respectively.

St Lucia defeated Dominica 2-1 as Magnum Vilcin opened the scoring in the 13th minute of play. Julian Wade then equalized for Dominica in the 68th but Vilcin scored his second of the night in the 76th minute to give St Lucia victory.

Host nation St Kitts & Nevis blanked Guyana 2-0 thanks to second-half goals from Zephaniah Thomas in the 53rd minute and Atiba Harris in the 60th minute.

Teams that have advance to the next round of qualifying are Group winners: Antigua & Barbuda, Martinique, Curacao and St Kitts & Nevis.

Teams that have advance as runner-ups: St Vincent & The Grenadines, French Guiana, Barbados and St Lucia.

Best third Place Team: Dominican Republic.

(CFU)

The sixth annual St Peter Ah Come From Independence Football Tournament is scheduled to commence on October 5 and culminate with the final on November 23.  The tournament will be played on Sundays at the Speightstown playing field from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

This community youth development tournament, catering primarily to the 15-25 age group, continues to be a nursery for St Peter clubs while promoting village cooperation and unity during the Independence period.

Over the years there has been an expansion of the purpose behind this venture, where teams from Boscobelle, Road View, Diamond Corner and Mount Brevitor/Mile & Quarter, transitioned by registering with the Barbados Football Association as a result of having their inaugural team efforts launched during these matches. This gave birth to more teams from St Peter being exposed to playing football at national level.

Ten teams will be contesting this year’s tournament and include reigning champions Mount Brevitor, Diamond Corner, Boscobelle, Black Bess, Six Mens, Speightstown, Road View, St Peter Youth and the returning Ashton Hall and Four Hill.

Coordinator is Steve Cumberbatch who can be reached at 439-2695/ 231-1895.

(PR)

President of the Barbados Football Association (BFA), Randy Harris, is asking all involved in the upcoming FIFA World Unites Fair Play event scheduled to commence September 21 at Emmerton in The City to promote the spirit of fair play.

Randy Harris

He appealed to players, referees, fans and officials throughout the country to help promote the spirit of fair play on FIFA Fair Play Days in order to cherish the value of sports.

“We need to cherish and nurture the values of sporting spirit and work tirelessly to keep up the momentum. We are appealing to all football fans in Barbados to help us celebrate the FIFA Fair Play Days.”

The FIFA Fair Play Days was introduced in 1997 and since that time has been held in dozens of countries around the world, from grassroots to top-flight football and in many community-based projects.

“Children need strong values to grow up with, and football, being a team sport, makes them realise how essential discipline, respect, team spirit and fair play are for the game and for life,” he commented.

“FIFA’s Fair Play campaign involves much more than simply promoting fair play on the pitch during a competition. FIFA is committed to encouraging fair play in society too, beginning with our future – with children,” said FIFA president Sepp Blatter in his message recognizing the importance of having such an initiative.

Two games will be played on that day starting at 3:30 p.m. between Technique and Empire and following that Genesis take on Eden Stars Unity at 5:30 p.m. Before the second match starts there will be a 15 minute ceremony that includes Harris, the two team captains and the games referee.

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Barbados’ under-17 football team which recently qualified for the Caribbean Union of Teachers (CUT) competition is not only reaping success but also giving back to the community.

Last Saturday the young men cleaned Hastings Rock Beach in Christ Church to demonstrate their appreciation for the environment and ensure that the surroundings were as clean as possible.

Head coach for the team, Colin Harewood, said: “It’s important that the young men perform community service activities as part as their molding process, as well as demonstrating their patriotism.”

Harewood added the team was actively training as they vied for a place in the CONCACAF grouping and inched closer to the ultimate dream of reaching the FIFA Under-17 World Cup scheduled for Chile next year.

Barbados Under-17 footballers during their clean-up.

The inaugural Super League Soccer tournament is all set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. on September 29 at the Speightstown, St Peter playing field with three matches.

Thirty-two teams from across the island will be participating at locations in Speightstown, Boscobelle and Orange Hill in a competition that organisers say they expect will raise the standard of soccer in the north of the Island.

Among the teams taking part in the tournament will be Boscobelle Gully Hill, Black Bless, Norman Forde 2000, The Gladiators of Mile and a Quarter, Indian Ground, Road View, Youth Milan, Checker Hall, Belleplaine, Basil Harewood team, Speightstown Warriors, Barbados Soccer Academy, Porey Spring, Six Mens, Gaza United, Street Vibes, De Hill, De-Team, Bajan Pride, St Joseph Combined, Street Vybz, Bajan Elite, Ban Kok Elite, Pelican, St Joseph Hilltop, Vegas, Zone United, Hillaby, Belfield, Red Beard, Tony Eleven, Orange Hill and Ellerton.

Monetary incentives will include a first prize of $8,000; a $3,000 second prize; $2,000 to the third placed finisher; and $1,000 to the fourth placed team.

Jabez ‘Jack’ Bovell, director of the Super League and a former president of the St Peter League, said there would be an additional prize of $1,000 for the best placed St Peter-based team.

Jabez ‘Jack’ Bovell

“Major League Soccer and college coaches are expected to attend to scout for talent during the period of the competition. The competition will be designed similar to the FIFA World Cup, where there will be zones of teams and the top sixteen teams will qualify to the first round of the knockout stage, followed by the quarterfinals, semifinals, and championship match,” he said.

Bovell also stated that he would be seeking to have the winners of the Super League play against the winners of the David Thompson Memorial Competition. He added there was also a possibility that the 18 best Super League Soccer players would be chosen as a team to travel to Trinidad and Tobago to compete against a select Trinidadian team at the Hasley Crawford Stadium.

He also revealed that plans were moving ahead to send a number of under-23 players to MLS clubs in the United States for trials.

Bovell, who is director of the Barbados Soccer Academy, said he had made contact with Red Bulls Major League Soccer Club of New York and they were keen on hosting a camp in Barbados. The Barbados Soccer Academy has already secured more than 20 scholarships at universities in the United States over the last ten years.

(PR)