Bahamas’ 22-man roster was set to be named yesterday, and was expected to include five overseas-based players in it, as they prepare to take on T&T on Friday in a key CONCACAF Nations League Group C clash at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium in Nassau, Bahamas from 4 pm.
With just three points to date in third position in the group, the Bahamians can only reach nine points if they can win their next two matches, which will ensure that they stay in League B in the region.
Veteran ‘Swiss Knife’ Lesly St Fleur has returned to the team along with midfielder Christopher Rahming and will be hoping to guide the young squad into this next window.
Speaking after a training session Tuesday, St Fleur said: “Playing with the young guys is a pleasure – to do so with my experience and to give my knowledge to them about the game is something that I welcome. They are the future. It’s going to be an exciting game, knowing that we drew 0-0 with them the last time we played here. They have something to prove so they are coming to play hard, and we will be ready for the task ahead.”
Rahming on the other hand is anticipating a good game.
He said: “We have to win these games to stay in League B. I am hoping we get control of the game early on Friday, ensure that everyone gets a touch on the ball early and build up confidence. That is one thing that we didn’t do during the Trinidad game the last time, where it seems we were afraid to pass the ball. That is the main focus for me.”
Bahamas coach Nesly Jean said he and his coaching staff, which includes Kevin Davies and Avery Kemp, have been looking at the new players over the past few weeks, integrating them into the team’s sessions.
“We had some friendly games against Turks and Caicos, so it was good to look at them. We were able to look at the team and see how far we are, and how far we are with the new guys. I am looking forward to seeing these players come in and perform well. I want to see them step up to the level that they have been playing overseas and bring up the local guys to the same level. Once everyone is on the same page, I think we will do well,” Jean said.
He further explained: “Some of these guys felt the Gold Cup for the first time, a few years back. They are excited about the games coming up. I think we have a chance as well looking at the points in our group. I feel like if we make that step and work hard and give everything on the field these two games, we will have a chance to go through to the Gold Cup.”
The Bahamas sits in third place in the group with a 1-3 win/loss record and three points. T&T is in second place with a 3-1 record and nine points. In its second game in this window, the Bahamas will head to St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) to play that nation.
SVG sports a 0-1-3 win/draw/loss record and has one point. They sit in fourth place in the group. Bahamas’ only win in the group came against SVG, a 1-0 victory.