jamarch– Bermuda takes on Antigua & Barbuda, followed by Cayman vs. St Martin at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex in Grand Cayman
As Hurricane Gustav makes its way across the Northern Caribbean, the Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA) and Digicel, proud sponsor of Caribbean Football, have decided to go ahead with the first two matches in Group C of the Digicel Caribbean Championships (DCC).
The DCC Group C matches will begin as scheduled on Wednesday, 27 August, with Bermuda vs. Antigua & Barbuda at 5:30pm, followed by Cayman vs. St. Martin at 7:30pm.
With Gustav predicted to pass over the Cayman Islands on Friday, the Cayman Islands government, CIFA and Digicel are closely monitoring the storm’s movement across the Northern Caribbean before confirming the dates for the remaining Group C matches. CIFA has tentatively scheduled the remaining matches to continue on Saturday 30th August, with Antigua & Barbuda playing St. Martin and Cayman playing Bermuda. The final two matches of St. Martin vs. Bermuda and Cayman vs. Antigua & Barbuda are tentatively scheduled to take place on Sunday, 31 August. A final decision on the scheduling of these matches will be made once the storm has passed.
CIFA President Jeffrey Webb explains: “We will not know for sure until tomorrow and once we do, we will announce it to the public. The two matches today are going ahead and the DCC Group C matches will continue in the Cayman Islands as soon as we can confirm dates. It really does depend on Gustav’s movements.”
The three visiting squads: Antigua & Barbuda, St. Martin and Bermuda, arrived in the Cayman Islands on Monday, 25 August, and have been training hard in anticipation for the matches. Rohan Benjamin, Head Coach of the Antigua & Barbuda national team expressed their commitment: “We have been preparing for these matches since the end of last year and are very excited about playing in the Digicel Caribbean Championships. Gustav will not dampen our spirits”
Carl Brown, Technical Director of the Cayman National football team, stated: “The players are prepared and have committed themselves to the games. We have a great opportunity here, especially to redeem ourselves against Bermuda who beat us 3-1 in the World Cup qualifiers. We are eager to settle the score.”
The Group C matches of the Digicel Caribbean Championships will begin on Wednesday August 27 with the first two matches: Bermuda vs. Antigua & Barbuda and Cayman vs. St. Martin. CIFA will announce the definite schedule for the four remaining matches once Hurricane Gustav has passed over The Cayman Islands. For match pictures and further information visit www.digicelfootball.com
Media Writer
