THE SENIOR Barbados football teams are preparing for international friendly matches against Martinique tomorrow.
Both the men’s and women’s teams, which were in training since last year, started camp yesterday ahead of the games at the Usain Bolt Sports Complex.
The women’s team, which consists of several young and promising players, is bolstered by overseas-based Soraya Toppin, as well as Shanice Stevenson, the 2016 Women’s League MVP and Best Midfielder, as well as veterans Shona Evelyn and Gabriella Lopez.
Many of the young players in the team formed the Under-15 teams which gave an outstanding performance in Orlando, Florida, last year.
The team is confident that they will do well against Martinique based on the amount and quality of work which they have put in over the past few months.
The senior men’s team comprise several seasoned national players and are eagerly anticipating the game against Martinique.
Special mention must be made of newcomer Zico Edmee, who is the leading goal scorer in the Digicel Premier League.
He is expected to be ably supported by other forwards Hadan Holligan and Rasheed Jules, who expect to be fed balls from midfielders Ackeem Applewaithe, Shaquille Belle and Elijah Downey.
Downey will be returning to the United States after the encounter.
Former national Under-17 captain Keason Trent is another overseas-based player who will return to Canada in April.
Management of both teams are excited about this weekend’s games, especially the women who have not had any international action for a while.
Both teams are scheduled for more competition in 2017 as the Barbados Football Association seeks to fulfil its mandate of the national teams qualifying for a major tournament.
The women’s game kicks off at 5 p.m., while the men’s match starts at 8 p.m. (PR)
