By Neto Baptiste
Five overseas-based players have been included in a 20-member senior women’s national football team ahead of the country’s clash against Guyana in the Concacaf Women’s Qualifiers here on Thursday, March 4 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
Midfielders Nicelle Drew, Virginia Simon and Zoya Simon, all of Bryant and Stratton College have been included. Texas State University’s defender, Jessica Powell and striker Keitonya Skepple of Houlton High School in Maine are also in the squad.
Coach of the team, Astel Joseph, said the players have been putting in the work and the unit is ready for the task at hand.
“We’re prepared as much as we can be prepared. We’ve been training and the work has been done, so we’re prepared as much as we can be. The girls went to the Turks and Caicos to a friendly tournament and we played a couple of games over there, but we’re going to play as best as we can. We’re going to play in terms of our strengths. We’re going to beef up on our weaknesses and we’re going to play our game that we’re accustomed to play,” he said.
The squad is also bolstered by the experienced Anik Jarvis in goal, Karmellia Hughes in defence and strikers Kai Jacobs and Gabrielle DeSuza.
Marketing and Communications Officer with the ABFA, Neil Cochrane, underscored the significance of hosting the game at the North Sound venue.
“At the end of the day, it allows for more spectators to come out. I think it’s much better for the execution and it’s about getting the people to come out and support the team in their numbers. When we’re here at the technical centre there are limitations and there’s too much infrastructure that has to be put in place that’s going to cost a lot so it’s better for us to be playing at Sir Viv,” he said.
The encounter is slated to kick off at 6:00 pm. Tickets cost $20 per adult and $10 per child.
Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Anik Jarvis and Serenity Colbourne
Defenders: Karmellia Hughes, Denovia Jarvis, Breana Roberts, Jessica Powell, Abisha Henry and Carlene Thomas
Midfielders: Zolique Samuel, Jada Benjamin, Kevoncia James, Nicelle Drew, Virginia Simon, Zoya Simon, Nafisa Quashie, Ajahna Martin and Deborah Weston
Strikers: Kai Jacobs, Gabrielle DeSuza, Keitonya Skepple
