With 16 thrilling encounters to go, the final eight teams that make up the Digicel Caribbean Cup Groups H and I all have high hopes of making it into the top four. Group G runners-up, Antigua & Barbuda, will arrive in Martinique tomorrow ahead of their Group I matches which kick off on Saturday. The team Manager, Fernando Abraham, spoke exclusively to www.digicelfootball.com about the team’s preparation and their long wait for this chance to become Digicel Caribbean Cup champions.

“So far preparations are going very well. The boys have been in training and are looking very sharp and ready to go. They are feeling confident having qualified for the Finals from Group G and are prepared to do their best. They have been training very hard and as a result are sharp, focused and going to give Jamaica a run for their money on Saturday.

“In terms of Group I, we’re confident and we know what we have prepared for. We will go out there and play our game and hopefully be successful in this tournament. While we haven’t seen Jamaica play recently as they’ve been playing some friendly matches in Florida, I know their style and, as such, we’re prepared for them. Obviously, as current champions, they are likely to be our toughest game in the Group – and we’re not going to take that match lightly – but that’s our first game so we need to start off on the right foot. We need a win against Jamaica and that’s what we’re prepared for.

“Our motto is team spirit. We believe in that – both on and off the pitch. Our 26 year-old forward, Peter Byers, is a renowned goal scorer in the Caribbean so, yes, we expect him to shine but it is our team spirit that will see us through and I see no reason why we cannot have a positive outcome in the DCC 2010.

“First and foremost, we want to take home that Digicel Cup and become Caribbean champions. It’s time for Antigua and Barbuda to take the trophy home. Of course, we also want to qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, but becoming Caribbean champions is our priority. We’ve worked hard and long for this chance and we’re ready to perform and do what it takes to succeed,” he concluded. 

Antigua & Barbuda will travel to Martinique on Thursday November 25th before taking on Jamaica; Guyana and Guadeloupe in Group I of the Digicel Caribbean Cup 2010 at the Riviere Pilote Stadium.

All final matches will be aired live throughout the Caribbean and on an as-live basis on FOX Television in North America – for free. In addition, fans can watch live streaming or listen to live radio commentary by logging onto www.digicelfootball.com.