Although disappointed at not being able to select some of his top players, for the upcoming Concacaf Final Round Tournament in Guatemala from January 19-30, national U-20 women’s football head coach Jamaal Shabazz believes his team has a fighting chance.
The Soca Princesses are scheduled to leave on Sunday for Guatemala, via Panama, and are arguably the better prepared than they have ever been for a Concacaf Tournament, with the technical staff hoping to get in two more warm-up matches before the start of the competition.
The final team for the tournament was chosen on Tuesday after a practice match against Santa Rosa Boys at Marvin Lee Stadium, which the girls lost 1-5. Following the release of the team, Shabazz expressed frustration at not being able to select some of his top players.
“The absence of Latifa Kelly, Karissa Rodney, Iyesha Olliviere, Avanelle Issacs and Shanelle Warrick is just a challenge we have to overcome, but I still feel that we have a fighting team and where we fall short in talent, we will certainly make up in fitness and intensity,” said Shabazz.
Rodney, Olliviere and Issacs were omitted due to conflicts with school and Shabazz explained that the situation was unfortunate and described the timing of the tournament as disappointing. Kelly, who had a superb Caribbean Football Union Tournament (CFU) last November, was ruled out due to a knee injury, while Shabazz explained that Warrick is not up to the required fitness level.
Captain Mariah Shade has been given a clean bill of health after a hamstring injury which sidelined her for the past month, while foreign-based central defender, Arin King comes in to offer support in the mid-field.
Two U-17 players in forward, Jo-Marie Lewis and mid-fielder Victoria Swift have also been given the nod.
Mariah Shade (capt), Kimika Forbes, Linfa Jones, Felina Jack, Tiana Bateau, Rhea Belgrave, Arin King, Taylor Mims, Renel Dennis, Kayla Taylor, Natasha Prentice, Karyn Forbes, Afiya Matthias, Cassie Mckensie, Kareena Seaton, Natasha St. Louis, Candace Seaton, Jo Marie Lewis, Victoria Swift, Camille Borneo.
Stand-bys: Jenelle Kisson, Shanelle Warrick.