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. Current champions, Jamaica, will travel to Martinique this week to play their first competitive matches of the tournament. The Reggae Boyz coach, Theodore Whitmore, spoke exclusively to www.digicelfootball.com about the team’s preparation, the pressure to retain the title and the competition they will face.

“We are feeling confident about the upcoming games. Training has been in full swing for some months now and the boys are ready to go out and represent their country and defend their title. 

“We played a friendly in Florida last week against Costa Rica which we drew 0-0. It was a fairly good performance and I think we achieved most of what we wanted. We were more organised and, technically, we also improved in the second half and most importantly we didn’t lose the game.

“I was in Antigua for the Group G games so I’ve seen what the Antigua & Barbuda team have to offer. In reality we won’t be taking anyone lightly. These teams are in the top eight for a reason so we’ll go there to Martinique, do our best and play to win.

“We have about six or seven players in from the MLS for the DCC but in terms of ‘top players’, it’s a collective approach. Of course, we always have one or two outstanding players who at any time could give us something special but as I said, it’s a team effort.  

“Yes, we are reigning champions and there is a little bit of pressure there. Jamaica – along with Trinidad & Tobago – is one of the top two teams in the Caribbean, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be a walk over. It is going to be tough – but we have prepared physically and mentally and we are just looking forward to getting out there now.”

The Reggae Boyz will travel to Martinique on Thursday November 25th before taking on Antigua & Barbuda; Guadeloupe and Guyana in Group I of the Digicel Caribbean Cup 2010.

The final matches will be aired on FOX Television in North America and throughout the Caribbean; the finals will be aired live on free to air TV and radio.