Posted: Wednesday, May 14, 2025. 1:08 pm CST.
Belize Men’s National Team train at the FFB Stadium on Monday, May 12, 2025 – Photo Credit: FFB
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Belize Men’s National Team (BMNT) officially reported for training on Monday, May 12, 2025, ahead of their upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in June against Montserrat and Panama. Despite the squad’s return to the training pitch, the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) has yet to release the official squad list due to contract-related delays.
Sources within the FFB confirmed that the list remains undisclosed as player contracts have not all been signed yet.
However, training session photos and a video shared by the FFB and information from the Premier League of Belize clubs provided insight into key returning players, including midfielders Jordy Polanco and Nahjib Guerra from Verdes, Moises Hernandez from San Pedro Pirates, and experienced goalkeepers Charles Tillett (Progresso FC) and Woodrow West (Verdes), who were absent from the Gold Cup Preliminary Round squad against Costa Rica. Also spotted in training were forwards Andir Chi (Progresso) and Krisean Lopez (Verdes) and defenders Norman Anderson and Naim Wilson (Port Layola) and Deshawon Nembhard. The presence of these seasoned players suggests an intent to field a competitive squad for the qualifiers.
Progresso’s Andir Chi in training at the FFB Stadium on Monday, May 12, 2025 – Photo Credit: FFB
Additionally, 16-year-old Marlon Meza Jr was seen training with the squad, hinting at promising young talent joining the mix. Other players who are participating in training orhave been called, include defenders Alence Ayala and Everal Trapp, midfielder Owen Sosa, and forward Eldon Reneau from Verdes. Also present are Norman Anderson and Naim Wilson from Port Layola. Joining them from San Pedro Pirates are Jaheim Mena and Keydenshaay Bowen. Belmopan FC’s Freybin Pagoada, Jonard Castillo, and Kennard Bood have also joined the training camp. From Progresso FC, apart from Chi and Tillett, defenders Harlan Cassanova and Izon Gill have also joined the training camp. The remaining participating players hail from the amateur ranks, bringing additional depth to the squad.
The training camp marks the beginning of a revamped coaching structure, now under the leadership of Mexico-based Uruguayan coach Daniel Bartolotta, who heads a team of Mexican coaching advisors—including his son Diego Bartolotta, and Enrique Meza Jr. Belizean coach Charlie Slusher, who had been in charge of the BMNT for the Gold Cup qualifying matches against Costa Rica, is working closing with the Mexican staff, in their effort to refine the team’s tactical approach as part of what the FFB has termed the ‘Mexico-Belize Project.’ The Mexican team is also to receive technical advice and guidance from experienced Mexican coach Enrique ‘Ojitos’ Meza Sr.
Coach Daniel Bartolotta overseas training at the FFB Stadium on Monday, May 12, 2025 – Photo Credit: FFB
Diego Bartolotta expressed confidence in the squad’s direction, citing the collective experience of the coaching staff as a significant factor in strengthening Belize’s competitive edge.
“With our combined expertise and effort, I am hopeful that the BMNT can perform significantly better. We are committed to giving our best,” Bartolotta said.
Belize’s upcoming matches will test the BMNT’ resolve:
- June 4: Montserrat vs Belize (Away)
- June 7: Belize vs Panama (FFB Stadium, Belmopan)
Players meet the coach staff at FFB Headquarters on Monday, May 12, 2025 – Photo Credit: FFB
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