REPORTS indicate that Team Saint Lucia is moving earnestly to prepare for the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup Championships, as they get set to take on Martinique in the opening away match on June16 in the USA.
The squad is currently involved in a 12-day camp, in Palm Beach County, USA participating in intensive training sessions in preparation for the tournament.
The 24-man squad includes several overseas-based players; six from Jamaica, five from England, and three from Antigua & Barbuda.
In the latest fixture of a ‘friendly’ practice match, goals from Andrus Remy, Malik St. Prix and Jervick Mac Farlane powered Saint Lucia Men’s National Football Team to a 3 – 2 win against a very talented Weston FC Monday.
“The preparation of the team is progressing smoothly and no stone is being left unturned in order to emerge victorious,” noted team 758’s technical unit.
Meanwhile, Terell Thomas of Charlton FC, England spoke about the team’s preparation and mood in the camp.
Thomas let in on his journey from playing in the UK to representing the Saint Lucia national football team.
“It’s been pretty smooth …the difference between club football and international football is quite different,” he said. “International football is more fully paced because it’s a one-off game …and I’ve really enjoyed being with the team, being with the nation and it’s an honour playing for the nation and I’m looking forward to the future.”
On preparations for the Gold Cup match versus Martinique, he stated that preparations have been good.
“We’ve had a good three- or four-days training and everyone is looking sharp. The coach is putting us through our paces and fine tuning the details and I feel that we are slowly getting there in better shape …and we got just under two weeks to the game.
We’ve got a good pace at the moment, but there are still more to improve and be ready for the game.”
How has the integration of players worked out as Saint Lucia prepares to compete in the tournament?
“The integration has been good and coming smoothly with the players that have played already, we welcome them in, make them feel comfortable”, he added. “Obviously, it’s about building relationships with them on and off the field …and that will come with time. I feel that by the time the game comes (along) we will be in a good ‘head space’ understanding the way we play and being able to cope.”