– Team Cayman Creates Sporting History in Digicel Caribbean Championships Stage 1 Matches

George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands – September 2, 2008:   In what turned-out to be a great surprise for some spectators, but the aim of the Caymanian team, the qualifying final night of the Digicel Caribbean Championships ended with Antigua & Barbuda and the Cayman Islands taking first and second places respectively, in the first stage of the tournament at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex.

Antigua & Barbuda closed-off the evening with a total of seven points after two wins and one draw, after beating St. Martin.  The Cayman Islands team capitalized on the home team advantage along with well-orchestrated tactical plays against Bermuda, to end with five points after one win and two draws.

The matches which were overseen by FIFA and CFU officials, progressed smoothly, with the exception of the second matches originally scheduled for August 29th being rescheduled for August 30th because of the threat of Hurricane Gustav.

Cayman Island’s Head Coach, Carl Brown expressed his excitement of getting through the first round of the Digicel Championships: “This is a truly proud moment for Caymanian football.  We have made history in this small Island and the team has great reason to celebrate.  My goal has always been to make this team into a team worth watching, and give the Caymanian people a reason to come out to matches.  We played some good football during this tournament and will continue to do so and hope to make the finals in Jamaica.”

Rohan Benjamin, Head Coach for Antigua & Barbuda remarked: “We came here to win, and we did.  I think we could have done better in our match against St. Martin, but I must give them the credit for a good finish to the tournament.  We will continue to train and prepare for this tournament and will be ready for round two in Trinidad.”

Cayman Island’s Football Association (CIFA) president Jeffrey Webb conveyed his satisfaction at the outcome of the tournament: “All matches were exciting and we thank the visiting teams for the camaraderie shown.  It was truly a great honor to host the Digicel Caribbean Championships in the Cayman Islands and more exciting to have our National team move on to the next stage.”

Antigua & Barbuda progress to Stage 2 in Trinidad to play at the Marvin Lee Stadium, November 1-9.  The Cayman Islands team also progress to Stage 2 and will play at the Stade de Abymes in Guadeloupe from October 9-16, 2008.  The Digicel Caribbean Championships’ finals will kick-off in ‘Bolt land’ and home of the Reggae Boyz, Jamaica, in December.

For more match reports and to view photos from the matches, please visit Digicel’s official football website at www.digicelfootball.com.