Head coach of the Barbados Pride, Vasbert Drakes has lauded his team’s work ethic after they captured the CG United Super50 Cup title in Trinidad on Saturday.
The Pride captured the US$100, 000 first prize with a dominant nine-wicket victory over the home side Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, to claim their first Super50 title since 2018.
Speaking to members of the media on Sunday, moments after touching down at the Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados, Drakes said the team’s preparations before and during the tournament was a major factor in their success.
“I’m happy for the group of players. I think they worked fantastically well during the preparation phase which started from May this year.
“Obviously, leaving Barbados we recognised that we had to prepare really well because going into Trinidad, certainly with the weather situation, we knew that we wouldn’t get the practice sessions that we wanted to, so as a group the guys worked really hard and I’m really happy for them,” Drakes said.
“Before the guys went onto the field yesterday [Saturday], they recognised that playing for Barbados is a privilege and an honour, but not a given. The guys recognised that once you have these colours they’re up for it.”
Drakes praised the leadership of captain Kyle Mayers, while pointing out that it had been a total team effort.
“The captain really led from the front, he led exceptionally well, and he was well supported by the whole group; Kraigg Brathwaite sharing his wisdom, Desmond Haynes, and then having the support of the BCA, this trophy means so much not only to the BCA but to the people in Barbados and I’m really happy for everyone,” he said. (CMC)
