Bermuda has named its squad for the Concacaf Gold Cup preliminary matches against Honduras. Captain Dale Eve returns, but key defenders are unavailable due to injuries. Coach Michael Findlay spoke of the challenges of squad selection amid injuries and club commitments. Despite this, there are opportunities for young players, and Bermuda aims for improvement leading up to the 2025 Gold Cup.
Bermuda has revealed its squad for the Concacaf Gold Cup preliminary matches against Honduras scheduled for March 21 and 25. Although captain Dale Eve returns, the team will miss key defenders Danté Leverock, Harry Twite, and Luke Robinson due to injuries. Additionally, forward Nahki Wells, alongside Kole Hall, Justin Donawa, and Andrew Kempe, will not participate as they focus on club commitments.
Head Coach Michael Findlay discussed the challenges encountered in assembling the squad, citing injuries, club conflicts, and player statuses as significant hurdles. “Our selections for the March camp have brought about some challenges such as injury, club conflicts, and contract status for some players,” Findlay noted. He expressed the team’s disappointment regarding the absence of key players but remains optimistic about their return for future matches.
The situation with absent players emphasizes the need for Bermuda to cultivate depth and competition within its squad. Findlay reaffirmed this objective, stating, “This unavailability of players for the smaller member associations in Concacaf is an unfortunate reality of football in the region, but situations like this provide an opportunity to grow our squad.”
In efforts to strengthen the team, Bermuda has included younger players like former under-20 player Max Mobray and welcomed back Lejaun Simmons after a long injury layoff. Additionally, Eusebio Blankendal, a domestic player, has earned a selection due to recent commendable performances.
Findlay is enthusiastic about Bermuda’s advancement towards qualifying for the 2025 Gold Cup, viewing it as a testament to the team’s development and performance in recent leagues. He stated, “Our qualification to the 2025 Gold Cup play-off matches in March is something we should celebrate… it is also a reflection on our programme and the performance of our players.” The upcoming matches will serve as an exciting challenge against one of Concacaf’s top teams.
The full squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Dale Eve (Redditch FC), Detre Bell (North Village), Milai Perott (Notts County Under-21).
Defenders: J’Nai Butterfield-Steede (Barnoldswick Town), Julian Carpenter (Paget Lions), Kieron Richardson (University of Colorado), Lejaun Simmons (Devonshire Cougars), Max Mobray (TFC Academy Harvard University), Reese Jones Jr (Binfield FC).
Midfielders: Aunde Todd (Sandhurst Town FC), Eusebio Blankendal (Dandy Town), Keziah Martin (Rushall Olympic FC), Ne-jai Tucker (Unattached), Roger Lee (AFC Quorn), Willie Clemons (Felixstowe & Walton FC).
Forwards: David Jones Jr (Dandy Town), Djair Parfitt (Glentoran Football Club), Enrique Russell (PHC), Kane Crichlow (Chelmsford City FC), Knory Scott (Lancing FC), Reggie Lambe (Needham Market Football Club), Sachiel Ming (Syracuse University), Zeiko Lewis (Unattached).
In conclusion, Bermuda’s squad for the upcoming Gold Cup matches highlights significant challenges due to the absence of key defenders and several unavailable forwards. Coach Michael Findlay is attempting to navigate these difficulties by integrating newer talents into the team. The overall goal remains focused on development and preparing for the future, including the promised opportunity of participating in the 2025 Gold Cup, which represents substantial progress for Bermuda football.
Original Source: www.royalgazette.com
