Female Under-20 footballers seeking regional glory

St Vincent and the Grenadines will be represented by a 20-member Under-20 female outfit in the Caribbean Football Union’s final in Haiti this week.{{more}}

The team, which left for the French territory last Tuesday, includes three goalkeepers – Annesta Richards, Altica Benn and Teneka Baptiste.

The defenders selected are Geziel Wilson – captain, Shiann Perry, Nadia Peters, Angel Maxwell, Luzanne Edwards, Zeyana Charles and Macy Samuel.

Midfielders are Chrislyn Browne, Darie-ann Duncan, Akelia Gibson, Itiesha Matthews, Gabriella Ollivierre, Sharry Barbour and Lakeisha Ottley, while the strikers are Chelsea Cordice, Raenicia Cuffy and Sherese Cyrus.

The team will be without its inspirational midfielder Teffi-Ann Browne, as well as Shelisa Hazell, who are both attending junior colleges in the USA and were not released by their institutions.

Head coach Alnif Williams told SEARCHLIGHT that the team will miss the input of Teffi-Ann Browne, as she “carries the ball from the midfield.”

Williams admitted that his charges would be facing some strong opponents, but believes that they are both physically and mentally conditioned for the sojourn.

The other officials are Wayne Grant – manager, Urtis Blackette – goal- keeper coach, along with assistant coaches Akira Samuel and Hollister Browne. The physiotherapist is Cattiana Prescott and kit manager Shelly Browne.

The Vincentians, who have been placed in Group B, were set to meet Jamaica, last evening, Trinidad and Tobago – October 17 and Curacao – October 19.

Group A of the final round includes Bermuda, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and host Haiti.

The two top teams in each of the groups advance to the semi-final stage, with the two triumphant semi-finalists squaring off in the championship match.

St Vincent and the Grenadines reached this stage as one of the best second places in the first stage of competition.

When the group was hosted here in July, the Vincentian lasses were defeated 2-0 by Trinidad and Tobago, but beat Dominica 3 -1, on home soil at the Victoria Park.

Trinidad and Tobago topped the group, defeating Dominica six-nil.(RT)