THE PEOPLE, THE PASSION, THE GAME
Friday, December 17, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Trivia: What can you grasp from the following graphical representation of the rankings (1993 - 2010) of the following national team?
St. Vincent & the Grenadines (1993 - 2010)
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
SVG Slumps to 142 in the World
When the most recent FIFA/ Coca Cola World Rankings were released last Thursday December 9th, St. Vincent & the Grenadines was shown to have slumped 3 places to 142nd in the world. This says a lot about the current state of football across the island.
No need for the local lovers and stalwarts of the sport to be reiterating the many deficiencies, and possible remedies at this point, for their calls all seem to be falling on deaf ears. One gets the sense that no one is really taking time to listen.
The local federation continues with its "restructuring program", and while I would avoid being overly critical of such an effort, I maintain the belief that the process should not be unduly dragged along - as is currently the case.
Vincy football has been slumping for some time now; and whereas we have achieved a number of fair rankings over the past several years - 95th (1995), 93rd (1996), 85th (2006), and 73rd (2007) - we have for the most part been unable to sustain such achievements. This is sufficient evidence of the main deficiencies within the sport at this juncture: A weak football structure; unfulfilled/ no strategic direction and vision; and lack of administrative creativity.
Seen below are our month-to-month rankings for 2010. Take a good look. Anything to be proud of?
Football in SVG has truly had a miserable year. We therefore need some answers and actions for the new year from our local football federation. The 'Grassroots Football' initiative is very applaudible, but we need to have some serious substance added to the overall development of the sport across the island.
The question therefore is: What would it truly take to get Vincy football to the place where it belongs?
No need for the local lovers and stalwarts of the sport to be reiterating the many deficiencies, and possible remedies at this point, for their calls all seem to be falling on deaf ears. One gets the sense that no one is really taking time to listen.
The local federation continues with its "restructuring program", and while I would avoid being overly critical of such an effort, I maintain the belief that the process should not be unduly dragged along - as is currently the case.
Vincy football has been slumping for some time now; and whereas we have achieved a number of fair rankings over the past several years - 95th (1995), 93rd (1996), 85th (2006), and 73rd (2007) - we have for the most part been unable to sustain such achievements. This is sufficient evidence of the main deficiencies within the sport at this juncture: A weak football structure; unfulfilled/ no strategic direction and vision; and lack of administrative creativity.
Seen below are our month-to-month rankings for 2010. Take a good look. Anything to be proud of?
| Date | FIFA Ranking position |
| December 2010 | 142 |
| November 2010 | 139 |
| October 2010 | 126 |
| September 2010 | 153 |
| August 2010 | 160 |
| July 2010 | 160 |
| May 2010 | 163 |
| April 2010 | 164 |
| March 2010 | 166 |
| February 2010 | 168 |
| January 2010 | 168 |
Football in SVG has truly had a miserable year. We therefore need some answers and actions for the new year from our local football federation. The 'Grassroots Football' initiative is very applaudible, but we need to have some serious substance added to the overall development of the sport across the island.
The question therefore is: What would it truly take to get Vincy football to the place where it belongs?
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Olympic Football Trials Carded for the Victoria Park
Press Release
RE: The St. Vincent & the Grenadines Football Federation’s Olympic Football Trials for the CFU/ CONCACAF Olympic Qualifiers 2011/2012.
The St. Vincent & the Grenadines Football Federation would on this Saturday, December 11th, 2010 be hosting the first of a series of open trials for the National Under-23 Football team. This is in preparation for the CFU/ CONCACAF Olympic Qualifiers 2011/ 2012. These trials are scheduled to commence promptly at 8:00 am at the Victoria Park. Registration opens at 7:30 am. All eligible and interested players are cordially invited to be a part of this event.
All registered football clubs and leagues are asked to inform their eligible members of these trials.
Eligibility: Should be born on or after January 1, 1989.
The following members of the National Under-20 and Under-21 Football teams are also asked to be a present for these trials:
NATIONAL UNDER-21 | NATIONAL UNDER-20 |
- Kurtlon Williams | - Baldwin Debique |
- Kyle Greaves | - Lenford Foster |
- Terrance Sutherland | - Gregson Hazell |
- Anthonio Douglas | - Kirshon Gonsalves |
- Chad Balcombe | - Daniel Patrick |
- Shavis Trimmingham | - Keeson Rouse |
- Wendell Cuffy | - Zenroy Lee |
- Akeeno Hazellwood | - Junior DaSilva |
- Dwayne Sandy | - Damien John |
- Gabben Boyce | - Tevin Griffith |
- Devon Browne | - Henrique Gaymes |
- Valdo Anderson | - Myron Samuel |
- Zeron Murray | - Nicol Stephens |
- Mark King | |
- Reginald Richardson | |
- Raul Stapleton |
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Vincy Heat U20 2010 Training Camp - TnT
Look carefully now: Every man on his mark (except eventual goal scorer Keeson Rouse, extreme left) - taking no chances. Preparation for the return leg to Trinidad was rightfully labelled, "High Intensity".
Vincy Heat U20 2010 Training Camp - TnT
Young Heat forwards, Kirshon 'Speedy' Gonsalves and Valdo Anderson retreat from an unsuccessful raid on goal in practice. Defenders Gregson Hazel and Daniel Patrick (blue vests) are seen here firmly marking their territory. Antonio Douglas apparently looks on in dismay.
Vincy Heat U20 2010 Training Camp - TnT
Young Heats in position to run yet another drill in the scorching Port of Spain sun. Young Heat Kyle Raguette is set to take first strike in this set play.
Vincy Heat U20 2010 Training Camp - TnT
Heat U20 Coach Kendale Mercury outlines a drill to his young charges at the Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain, Trinidad. The youngsters are seen here keenly absorbing Mercury's instructions.
Vincy Heat U20 2010 Training Camp - TnT
Young Heat Defender Gregson Hazell towers above all. With the right ingredients, this young defender is a prolific stopper in the making. He already considers Cornelius Huggins (former national defender and current youth coach) his mentor.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Vincy Heat U20 2010
Back Row (L - R): Myron Samuel (Cpt.), Kirshon Gonsalves, Baldwin Debique, McZiggy Richards, Gregson Hazell, Antonio Douglas.
Front Row (L - R): Daniel Patrick, Valdo Anderson, Akeeno Hazellwood, Nicol Stephens, Zenroy Lee.
The St. Vincent & the Grenadines National U20 football team failed to progress to the next round of the Caribbean Football Union's (CFU) World Cup qualifying campaign having suffered humiliating defeats in the first round of matches against a well prepared Trinidad & Tobago U20 outfit. The young Heats' home game turned out to be an absolute disaster as the young Soca Warriors were able to pull 8 successful shots from their barrels.
The return leg to Trinidad was expected to be as much of a challenge as the Heats' home match-up. However, with several changes made to the squad from match 1 with the inclusion of the cool-headed Valdo Anderson, and the pacey Akeeno Hazellwood, and American-based 16 year old goal keeper McZiggy Richards, the team was expected to show more purpose in its away game.
It took all but 5 minutes for the Young Warriors to take the lead, however, the next successful Warriors' effort was delayed for a total of 66 minutes - this was definitely evidence of the Young Heats' intent to reverse their fortunes.
Young custodian McZiggy Richards was quite impressive with his parries, dispossessions, distribution and clearances. However the Young Warriors were able to compile three more successful attempts on goal before the referee's whistle went off at the end of five minutes added time.
The consolation goal for the young Heats came in the 92nd minute. Captain Myron Samuel did just what he had been doing all night long - only this time reaping the rewards. Samuel in a quick dash down the right flank, impressively turned two of his markers before hitting a perfect cross to the far post which landed on the right foot of midfielder Keeson Rouse who made no mistakes in comfortably putting away the rare chance.
The Young Heats are now keenly awaiting their next shot at redemption.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Features: Coach Kevin Richardson
National U20 Goal Keeping Coach, Mr. Kevin Richardson is seen here preparing for a session with prospective National U20 goal keepers. According to "Coach Kevin" as he is affectionately known among the players, his charges have been progressing steadily and have shown great promise over the past several months. Richardson - a FIFA certified goal keeping coach has great hopes of taking the art of goal keeping to a whole new level in the coming months. Having previously served as a member of the technical staff of the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Senior Men's National team and having served as a youth coach for many years, Coach Kevin has undoubtedly played an invaluable role in the development of the sport locally.
Given the calibre of the members of the technical staff of the St. Vincent & the Grenadines U20 Football team, it seems likely that Vincy Heat is in it for the long haul.
The Hope of a Nation - Vincy Youth Football On the Rise.
With the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Senior Men's National Football team out of the Digicel Caribbean Cup 2010 - having lost all three of their matches against Trinidad & Tobago, Haiti, and Guyana - one can very easily conjure a sense of hopelessness where Vincy football is concerned. However, let us not forget that approximately 90% of all participants within our national football programme are players 21 years or younger. We can bask is the fact that these players are yet to reach their peak performance.
In fact, an unprecedented 9 members of the Vincy Heat senior squad which recently competed in Trinidad, had previously participated in the CFU U20 World Cup Qualifiers back in 2008 - 2009 - the youngest of the lot being the 17 year old Vincentian football sensation Myron Samuel. Many are of the opinion that these youngsters might just have been shortchanged with the appointment of Samuel "Sammy" Carrington as their technical advisor and coach. However, I would prefer not to highlight that particular issue today. What I would say however, is that a resignation should be forth-coming - someone failed Vincy Football big-time.
It is on this note that we shift our attention to the Vincy Heat U20 squad that is currently preparing for a home and away CFU U20 World Cup qualifying tie against arch-rivals Trinidad & Tobago. All reports indicate that the young lads are adamant on avoiding a similar fate to that of their senior counterparts. Truth be told, the young lads have all but an excuse for failure. The St. Vincent & the Grenadines Football Federation's failure to promote their coach, Mr. Kendall Mercury to the helm of the Senior squad for its latest outing - notwithstanding a national outcry for this move - has turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the young Vincy Heat hopefuls.
Mercury has thus far proven his worth as a world-class coach - possessing a wealth of knowledge and a highly creative outlook on the game. His understudies clearly revere his exceptional abilities and have witnessed record leaps in the development of their own coaching competencies under his watch. Coach Mercury is undoubtedly serious on discipline - so much so that he has been criticized on numerous occasions for being "too hard" on his players. But there certainly has to be a valid reason for him being avowed "Coach of the Year" on two consecutive occasions.
So the Vincy Heat U20s are currently in training and would be putting all that they have learnt over the course of the past several months to the test come November 19th, 2010 at the Victoria Park as they take on Trinidad & Tobago's U20 outfit in the first leg of their home and away tie.
Come, let us rally around the future of Vincy Football.
In fact, an unprecedented 9 members of the Vincy Heat senior squad which recently competed in Trinidad, had previously participated in the CFU U20 World Cup Qualifiers back in 2008 - 2009 - the youngest of the lot being the 17 year old Vincentian football sensation Myron Samuel. Many are of the opinion that these youngsters might just have been shortchanged with the appointment of Samuel "Sammy" Carrington as their technical advisor and coach. However, I would prefer not to highlight that particular issue today. What I would say however, is that a resignation should be forth-coming - someone failed Vincy Football big-time.
It is on this note that we shift our attention to the Vincy Heat U20 squad that is currently preparing for a home and away CFU U20 World Cup qualifying tie against arch-rivals Trinidad & Tobago. All reports indicate that the young lads are adamant on avoiding a similar fate to that of their senior counterparts. Truth be told, the young lads have all but an excuse for failure. The St. Vincent & the Grenadines Football Federation's failure to promote their coach, Mr. Kendall Mercury to the helm of the Senior squad for its latest outing - notwithstanding a national outcry for this move - has turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the young Vincy Heat hopefuls.
Mercury has thus far proven his worth as a world-class coach - possessing a wealth of knowledge and a highly creative outlook on the game. His understudies clearly revere his exceptional abilities and have witnessed record leaps in the development of their own coaching competencies under his watch. Coach Mercury is undoubtedly serious on discipline - so much so that he has been criticized on numerous occasions for being "too hard" on his players. But there certainly has to be a valid reason for him being avowed "Coach of the Year" on two consecutive occasions.
So the Vincy Heat U20s are currently in training and would be putting all that they have learnt over the course of the past several months to the test come November 19th, 2010 at the Victoria Park as they take on Trinidad & Tobago's U20 outfit in the first leg of their home and away tie.
Come, let us rally around the future of Vincy Football.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
All Hope Not Lost for Vincy Heat Supporters
Having suffered a disappointing 6 - 2 defeat to the Soca Warriors of Trinidad & Tobago in its openning match of the Digicel Caribbean Cup Group F qualifiers last evening at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Southern Trinidad, the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Senior Men's National Football Team - Vincy Heat - should find full consolation in viewing its tournament status as "one down, two to go".
Reports out of Trinidad & Tobago indicate that there were a number of major defensive blunders on the part of Vincy Heat which overshadowed the outstanding work of the team's offense. Goal scorers in match one - Shandel Samuel and Cornelius Stewart did well to put their team on the scoreboard while twice levelling the match in a thriller of a first half.
17 year old striker Myron Samuel was also noted to have played exceptionally well in Tuesday night's encounter. According to the team's manager Mr. Otnell Douglas "Myron give 110% lastnight...he worked really hard". The young Samuel can consider himself unfortunate not to have found the back of the opposition's net, and would be looking to register his first goal in these qualifiers.
The young lads must be able to put this defeat behind them, and place their undivided attention on the upcoming matches. We at vincyheatposse.blogspot.com remain undaunted by this loss and are confident that Vincy Heat still stands a very good chance of advancing to the finals of the Digicel Caribbean Cup to be held in Martinique later this month. We are totally confident of Vincy Heat's ability to regroup - correcting specific defensive errors, and stepping up the offense where necessary.
Reports out of Trinidad & Tobago indicate that there were a number of major defensive blunders on the part of Vincy Heat which overshadowed the outstanding work of the team's offense. Goal scorers in match one - Shandel Samuel and Cornelius Stewart did well to put their team on the scoreboard while twice levelling the match in a thriller of a first half.
17 year old striker Myron Samuel was also noted to have played exceptionally well in Tuesday night's encounter. According to the team's manager Mr. Otnell Douglas "Myron give 110% lastnight...he worked really hard". The young Samuel can consider himself unfortunate not to have found the back of the opposition's net, and would be looking to register his first goal in these qualifiers.
The young lads must be able to put this defeat behind them, and place their undivided attention on the upcoming matches. We at vincyheatposse.blogspot.com remain undaunted by this loss and are confident that Vincy Heat still stands a very good chance of advancing to the finals of the Digicel Caribbean Cup to be held in Martinique later this month. We are totally confident of Vincy Heat's ability to regroup - correcting specific defensive errors, and stepping up the offense where necessary.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Vincy Heat's Date With Destiny: Match Day 1
Earlier today (Tuesday, November 2, 2010), vincyheatposse.blogspot.com had the opportunity of chatting with Mr. Othnell Douglas, Manager of the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Senior Men's National Football team, Vincy Heat.
The team is currently in Trinidad & Tobago awaiting the commencement of Group F of the Digicel Caribbean Cup qualifiers. The other teams contesting in Group F - deemed "The Group of Death" - include regional giants Haiti and Trinidad & Tobago, and Guyana, recently promoted to 2nd place in the latest CFU rankings.
According to Douglas, the team had a very good training session at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella on Monday afternoon. The players were noted to be very satisfied with the playing surface and the facilities in general - having been previously informed of the shift from the original venue, the Hasley Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.
Douglas alluded to the atmosphere within the Vincy Heat camp as being very encouraging. The players were noted to be quite upbeat about the upcoming matches and have thus far shown no signs of apprehension towards the task at hand.
"Coach Carrington has been very positive with the team", stated Douglas. He is also of the firm opinion that the inclusion of 34 year old veteran, Wesley "Butu" Charles for this round of qualifiers has gone a long way in boosting the confidence of the very youthful Vincy Heat squad. "Butu has been a very positive influence on the players", stated Douglas.
"I'm ready to play football" were the words of young Vincy Heat Striker Cornelius Stewart in a brief telephone interview with vincyheatposse.blogspot.com on Monday morning. Stewart was quite confident about his team's chances in the upcoming matches and confirmed that spirits are high within the camp.
In his response to questions about the impact of Hurricane Tomas on the team's morale, Douglas pointed out that from his vantage-point, the spirit of the team does not seem to have been shaken. Hurricane Tomas has displaced over 1000 persons, while ravaging the country's Agricultural sector.
When asked about the expectation of the team's technical and managerial staff, Douglas firmly stated that they are expecting nothing short of being one of the two teams advancing from Group F. He is also sympathizing with all Vincentians who were adversely affected by Hurricane Tomas and stated, "We are doing it tonight for everybody back home".
A win in tonight's match against the Soca Warriors would undoubtedly be the perfect start to Vincy Heat's Group F campaign.
vincyheatposse.blogspot.com wishes Vincy Heat all of God's richest blessings and total success in their upcoming matches.
The team is currently in Trinidad & Tobago awaiting the commencement of Group F of the Digicel Caribbean Cup qualifiers. The other teams contesting in Group F - deemed "The Group of Death" - include regional giants Haiti and Trinidad & Tobago, and Guyana, recently promoted to 2nd place in the latest CFU rankings.
According to Douglas, the team had a very good training session at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella on Monday afternoon. The players were noted to be very satisfied with the playing surface and the facilities in general - having been previously informed of the shift from the original venue, the Hasley Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.
Douglas alluded to the atmosphere within the Vincy Heat camp as being very encouraging. The players were noted to be quite upbeat about the upcoming matches and have thus far shown no signs of apprehension towards the task at hand.
"Coach Carrington has been very positive with the team", stated Douglas. He is also of the firm opinion that the inclusion of 34 year old veteran, Wesley "Butu" Charles for this round of qualifiers has gone a long way in boosting the confidence of the very youthful Vincy Heat squad. "Butu has been a very positive influence on the players", stated Douglas.
"I'm ready to play football" were the words of young Vincy Heat Striker Cornelius Stewart in a brief telephone interview with vincyheatposse.blogspot.com on Monday morning. Stewart was quite confident about his team's chances in the upcoming matches and confirmed that spirits are high within the camp.
In his response to questions about the impact of Hurricane Tomas on the team's morale, Douglas pointed out that from his vantage-point, the spirit of the team does not seem to have been shaken. Hurricane Tomas has displaced over 1000 persons, while ravaging the country's Agricultural sector.
When asked about the expectation of the team's technical and managerial staff, Douglas firmly stated that they are expecting nothing short of being one of the two teams advancing from Group F. He is also sympathizing with all Vincentians who were adversely affected by Hurricane Tomas and stated, "We are doing it tonight for everybody back home".
A win in tonight's match against the Soca Warriors would undoubtedly be the perfect start to Vincy Heat's Group F campaign.
vincyheatposse.blogspot.com wishes Vincy Heat all of God's richest blessings and total success in their upcoming matches.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Cornelius Stewart - Highlights Reel
21 year old Cornelius Stewart would be looking to shift gears in the Digicel Caribbean Cup Group F qualifiers against Trinidad & Tobago, Haiti, and Guyana. The tournament kicks off tomorrow (Tuesday, November 2, 2010) at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella, South Trinidad.
Share Your Views
Question of the day:
What are you expecting from Vincy Heat in this round of qualifiers?
What are you expecting from Vincy Heat in this round of qualifiers?Latest Vincy Heat Update
The latest information reaching vincyheatposse.blogspot.com (Monday, November 1, 2010, 9:00 a.m.)as it pertains to the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Men's Senior National Football Team is that all except four players have arrived safely in Trinidad. The other four players are expected to arrive later today prior to the team's first training session. This is certainly excellent news for the team's management and technical staff given the circumstances at hand as it regards Hurricane Tomas and LIAT flights in and out of the island. The Vincy Heat Posse wishes our young ballers all the best in their final preparations.
Keep in touch with vincyheatposse.blogspot.com for the latest on your Vincy Heat Team.
Keep in touch with vincyheatposse.blogspot.com for the latest on your Vincy Heat Team.
Share Your Views
Question of the day:
What are you expecting from Vincy Heat in this round of qualifiers?
What are you expecting from Vincy Heat in this round of qualifiers?
Vincy Heat's attack has proven to be one of the most lethal in the CFU and possibly in CONCACAF. Being avowed as the best would certainly require greater focus on the part of its young strikers. Vincy Heat's frontline includes the likes of Cornelius Stewart, Myron Samuel, Shandel Samuel, Wendell Cuffy and Damol Francis. What a nightmare they can be for their opponents on a good day.
This photograph taken during the Digicel Cup 2010 Group B match against St. Kitts & Nevis, is a vivid illustration of Vincy Heat's changing of the guard. These six players ranging from age 17 - 27 represent a new era in Vincy football.
Left to Right: Seinard Bowens, Shandel Samuel, Cornelius Stewart (hidden), Keith James, Jolanshoy McDowald, Myron Samuel.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
The New Vincy Heat
The Senior Men's National Football Team of St. Vincent & the Grenadines 'Vincy Heat' - Starting eleven October 2010
Back Row (left to right): Oscar Nero, Shandel Samuel, Keith James, Damol Francis, Chester Morgan, Myron Samuel.
Front Row (left to right): Cornelius Stewart, Jolanshoy McDowald, Dwayne Sandy, Seinard Bowens, Dorren Hamlet.
Vincy Heat Squad for Digicel Cup Group F
The St. Vincent & the Grenadines Senior Men's National Team quite notably includes 10 U23 players, 9 of whom were members of the last National U20 team.
My recent assesments of the current batch of U21 and U20 players lend a very strong case for continuity. The challenge however lies in ensuring the constant and consistent progression of their professional development.
The Vincy Heat squad includes the following players:
20 year old ChadBalcombe (MF)
21 year old Wendell Cuffy (MF)
20 year old Seinard Bowens (MF)
28 year old Paul Farrell (MF)
24 year old Damol Francis (FW)
25 year old Emerald George (FW)
28 year old Joel George (MF)
25 year old Narel George (FW)
21 year old Dorren Hamlet (MF)
24 year old Kenyan Lynch (GK)
21 year old Jolanshoy McDowald (DF)
34 year old Oscar Nero (DF)
26 year old Roy Richards (DF)
20 year old Reginal Richardson (DF)
17 year old Myron Samuel (FW)
27 year old Shandel Samuel (FW)
21 year old Dwayne Sandy(GK)
21 year old Cornelius Stewart (FW)
23 year old Durwin Ross (MF)
34 year old Wesley Charles (DF)
By: Jamal Browne
Vincy Heat Await Flight Comfirmation
The Passage of Hurricane Tomas has led to the closure of the E.T. Joshua Airport in Arnos Vale. PM Dr. Hon. Ralph Gonsalves has indicated that efforts are being made to have two early LIAT flights out of the island early Monday Morning. The optimal situation - given the current circumstances - is that the Vincy Heat contingent could secure seats on one such flight.
The management and technical staff of the Senior Men's National Football Team of St. Vincent & the Grenadines 'Vincy Heat' would be praying for divine favours come Monday morning. The local contingent of officials and players were due to leave the state earlier today (Sunday 31st, October 2010) to participate in Group F of the second group stage of the Digicel Cup 2010 qualification series. However, the inclemency of the weather, which resulted in the closure of the E.T. Joshua Airport - due to the passage of Hurricane Tomas within the last 48 hours - has left hundreds of travellers, including the young Vincentian hopefuls stranded.
Vincy Heat's supporters are expected to turn out in their numbers in support of their young football ambassadors.
Stay locked on vincyheatposse.blogspot.com for the latest updates on your Vincy Heat Team.
By: Jamal Browne
Vincy Heat Marching On
St. Vincent & the Grenadines vs St. Kitts & Nevis was admittedly the keenest encounter of Group B of the Digicel Caribbean Cup 2010. The local lads now take the heat to Trinidad and Group F where they are expected to clash with three of the regions’ most formidable football outfits. Guyana, now ranked 2nd in CFU, Haiti, and the new-look Soca Warriors would all take turns at testing a youthful and unfamiliar Vincy Heat squad that is tipped to create a few major upsets.
St. Vincent & the Grenadines has jumped 27 places to 126th in the latest FIFA World Rankings. According to FIFA, this jump is attributed to the Senior Men’s National Team’s performance in its five matches played over the past month. These matches included two friendly internationals against the 2008 Digicel Caribbean Cup runners up, Grenada, along with the three matches played in the recently concluded group stage of the 2010 version of the said tournament.
At the beginning of this year, St. Vincent & the Grenadines was ranked 168th according to the FIFA World Rankings – just two positions higher than the lowest ranking (170th) ever achieved in the history of local football back in February 2004.
Vincy Heat’s latest jump in the FIFA rankings now places it at position number eight in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) and number sixteen in CONCACAF.
There are many like myself who would swiftly assert that even this recently improved ranking – a marked improvement over recent FIFA reports – is by no means reflective of what the current national football programme is truly capable of – this I would not defend.
On the other hand, there are those who have suggested that such an outlook is typical in countries with fledgling football programmes – this I would not refute.
It is my humble opinion that we have grown beyond defence – consequently, we have nothing to prove, but everything to show. The young Ghanians did not go to South Africa to prove points – they went to show exactly what they were made of.
So as ‘Vincy Heat’ moves into stage two and what is now being declared as the group of death (Group F) in the Digicel Caribbean Cup Qualifiers 2010, it is important for Coach Carrington, the young lads, and every football-crazed Vincentian to understand that this is our time to show the Caribbean and the world what we are truly made of.
At 126th in the world, things can seem quite dim even in the Tropics, as the spotlight is often concentrated on the higher ranked and seemingly more formidable teams in CONCACAF and beyond – their performances are highlighted, their players are marketed internationally, and their programmes inevitably attract greater funding. This apparent exclusion is even more exaggerated against the backdrop of what we are seeking to achieve as a small football-crazed nation.
There is a dire need for greater financial investments into the development of our players, programmes and facilities. Unfortunately, we perpetually find ways of muffing potential marketing opportunities for our local brand of football.
However, I am quite confident that even in the midst of Vincy football’s current woes with regards to technical direction and administration that our players are quite capable of stomping their authority on Group F to be hosted in Trinidad & Tobago, November 2 – 6.
Group F is clearly a story of an ominous battle between two teams on the rise and two perennial regional giants. The group comprises Guyana, Haiti, Trinidad & Tobago, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines – ranked 98th, 128th, 106th, and 126th respectively. St. Vincent & the Grenadines kicks of its stage two campaign against Trinidad & Tobago on November 2, at 7:00 pm at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella, South Trinidad.
By: Jamal Browne
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