Five overseas-based players in Barbados Senior Women’s squad

Five overseas-based players have been named in the Barbados Senior Women’s squad ahead of their home CONCACAF W Qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago at Kensington Oval next Monday.

Goalkeepers Lisa Harding of Merstham Women FC in England and Unesty Waithe of East Orange High School in the United States join defenders Laea Blakeley from Highland FC in the United States and Daphne Watson James from the University of Essex, along with forward Shakira Waithe of Enfield Town Ladies FC. They are part of a revamped squad aiming to launch their campaign with a win.

Head Coach Kerry Trotman said the team is eagerly anticipating the match, particularly as it will be played in front of a home crowd. “It’s been a journey with highs and lows, and the group has stayed focused and resilient,” she explained. “We’re proud to name what we believe is the strongest available squad to take on Trinidad and Tobago on December 1st at Kensington Oval, and we are confident that we will be competitive. Once we execute what we’ve been working on, we can achieve a favourable result. We’ve also been fortunate to add a few overseas-based players, bringing additional experience and strength to the unit as we prepare for this important fixture.”

In the lead-up to the match, Trotman encouraged Barbadians to take advantage of the free admission and show their support for the Women’s side. “Representing your country and playing in front of a home crowd is an electrifying experience for any player, and I encourage fans, supporters, and all Barbadians to come out and show our team that you are behind them, especially given that the match is part of such a patriotic weekend,” she said.

Barbados is in Group F of the 2025-2026 CONCACAF W Qualifiers alongside Trinidad and Tobago, El Salvador, and Honduras. The next round of matches will take place during the February and April international windows, with the Lady Tridents facing El Salvador and Honduras, respectively. The six group winners will advance to the 2026 CONCACAF W Championship, which serves as the qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympic Games.

This match also serves as a curtain-raiser for the Prime Minister’s Cup final later that evening at the ‘Mecca’. Kickstart Rush will face Weymouth Wales, who are striving to hold all domestic footballing titles. Rush secured a 2-1 semi-final victory over Wotton FC after extra time, while Wales defeated Paradise 4-0 to reach the final.

The Lady Tridents Squad is as follows:Goalkeepers: Lisa Harding (Merstham Women F.C., England), Chioma Maycock (Empire F.C.), Unesty Waithe (East Orange High School, USA) Defenders: Gabrielle Birmingham (Mavericks F.C.), Laea Blakeley (Highland F.C., USA), Brittany Branker-White (Paradise F.C.), Adrienne Forde (Paradise F.C.), Keinelle Johnson (Paradise F.C.), Zhane Newsam (Technique F.C.), Kay’shun Rouse, Taryn Sutherland (R.F. Prime F.C.), Daphne Watson-James (University of Essex, England) Midfielders: Makela Alleyne (Mavericks F.C.), Amber de Silva (Empire F.C.), Solonge Holford (Paradise F.C.), Tekoa Hope-Downes (Paradise F.C.), Marissa King (R.F. Prime F.C.), Shanice Stevenson (Captain) (Paradise F.C.), Ashanee Thompson (Paradise F.C.) Forwards: Rianna Cyrus (Empire F.C.), Ketarrah Lowe-Millar (Empire F.C.), Acacia Small (Paradise F.C.), Shakira Waithe (Enfield Town Ladies F.C., England)

The Management Team consists of Head Coach Kerry Trotman, Assistant Coach Mario Vanterpoole, Team Manager Tricia Forde, Equipment Manager Kamillah Burke, Physiotherapist Chrystal Lynch, Trainer Akeil Payne, and Goalkeeping Coach Richard Bynoe.