THE Saint Lucia Kings face a formidable challenge tonight as they take on the defending champions, Guyana Amazon Warriors at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground (DSCG) in their third match of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 competition.
The Kings are optimistic about their chances, aiming to maintain their momentum after securing victories in their opening two matches.
Head coach Daren Sammy has expressed confidence in the team’s abilities, emphasizing on the importance of the Saint Lucian spirit in their home performances, buoyed by Saint Lucia’s recent successes on the global sporting stage.
The Kings performed well in the St Kitts/Nevis (SKN) leg of the tournament, first defeating the SKN Patriots on September 1and on September 3, got past the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons. With four home matches scheduled September 7 to 12, the Kings are eager to continue their winning streak in front of a home crowd.
During a media briefing yesterday, Sammy stated, “All the guys are excited to be playing at home,” noting that the Kings have historically performed better at the DSCG. Having been finalists in 2019 and 2020, the team feels confident about crossing the finish line this year.
“It’s been our best start to any CPL campaign, and we are looking forward to that one thing that makes a difference – the Saint Lucian spirit,” Sammy declared, highlighting the Kings’ strong home performances over the years.
With a blend of experienced players and young talent, the team is well-poised for success, according to Sammy. He also said that the selection of local players and support from the Ministry of Sports and the Cricket High-Performance Centre demonstrate a significant investment in the development of cricket in Saint Lucia.
Sammy praised the team’s focus and commitment, stating that the unit is well-balanced with experienced retainers and exciting new additions. “The whole mental approach to the preparations, plan, and execution… this team has character,” he added.
Sammy emphasised that the team is clearly focused on their ultimate goal of winning the title, with a strong and balanced lineup ensuring that every player contributes to the team’s success. He noted that there is a process in place, which involves taking on the challenge “one game at a time, and one opponent at a time.”
Highlighting the selection of at least three young local players to the St Lucia Kings team-Ackeem Auguste, Shadrack Descarte, and Mc Kenny Clarke- alongwith dynamic West Indies batter Johnson Charles, the head coach praised the Ministry of Sports and the St Lucia Kings Franchise for their investment in the development of players and coaches. He mentioned the High-Performance Centre’s (HPC) contributions through coaching clinics and development strategies aimed at improving the team.
Sammy singled out the recent performance of Ackeem Auguste, a 20-year-old former Windies U-19 captain and talented left-hand batter who scored a record 308 runs against Dominica in the inaugural W/Wards U-23 Bilateral Series (3-Day match).
“Ackeem’s innings was very mature, and it shows that the investment is not going to waste,” Sammy noted. “Saint Lucia has never been short on talent. I feel we’re on the right track, and with the exploits of Julien Alfred in the Olympics, it will put more eyes on why it’s important for us to put measures in place that will help our young people excel.”
While acknowledging the strength and balance of the team, Sammy emphasised that the support players cannot be overlooked, stating, “Your team is as strong as its bench.”
Saint Lucia Kings, at press time yesterday, were at the top of the points standing with four points from their two games.