ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Two players based in the United Kingdom (UK) will be on show for Antigua & Barbuda when Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Grounds hosts Group One of the CFU Under-20 qualifiers slated to commence this afternoon.
Midfielder Calaum Martin and striker Kierman Hughes-Mason have been included in a 20-member squad for the national youth team’s opener against Dominica at 7 pm.
Head coach George “Cajawawa” Warner is hoping that the two overseas-based Antiguans will bring some more experience to the already impressive line-up.
“These guys will be coming from a set-up where they are playing a higher standard than we are here and I am hoping they can bring some of that experience to the team,” he said.
The rest of the squad includes goalkeepers Prince Walters and Samuel Watley; defenders Jeremiah Harriette, Camara Nicholas, Jamoy Stevens, Jahkime Gomes, Hazley Pyle and Jamol Stevens.
Midfielders Romario Braithwaite, Azyr Joseph, Darren Warner, senior national and Antigua Barracuda FC’s Eugene Kirwan, Novelle Francis Jr, Aaron Potter and George Lake are also included.
Rounding off the selections are strikers Elijah McDonald, Elvis Thomas and Trevaughn Harriette.
Warner said the team is confident and looking towards their opener against the visiting Dominicans.
“We are looking forward to the start of the competition; the guys are really eager to get started,” he said.
“There are no real concerns of injuries. We had some minor worries but nothing serious. We are just hoping that the public can come out and support us; we know its Carnival time but we are encouraging the public to come out and support us,” Warner said.
The rest of the coaching staff includes Assistant Coach Schyan “Skem-up” Jeffers, Physiotherapist William Richards, Goalkeeper Coach Urvin Lewis, Equipment Manager Jerome Corbett and Manager Daryl Michael.
Curacao will take on Grenada in Wednesday’s opener slated to start at 5 pm.
The competition continues Friday with a double-header when Curacao tackle Dominica at 6 pm and Antigua & Barbuda play Grenada at 7 pm.
The Group climaxes on Sunday when Grenada take on Dominica at 6 pm and hosts Antigua & Barbuda face Curacao at 8 pm.
General admission to the games is $10, but children under the age of 12 will pay $5. Tickets can be bought at the venue on match days.
