'Improved' VI lose 0-4 to Grenada @ CONCACAF U20 C'Ship qualifier
A release from the BVI Football Association today, November 10, 2021, indicated that the 'Spice Boys' found their scoring stride with four different players finding the back of the net in the victory, which lifted them to first place in the group.
Keishon Clarke (27’), Aquil Lawlite (33’), Ogiste Lemoud (45+2’) and Benjamin Ettienne (67’) netted the goals.
Pleasing effort
According to Virgin Islands' coach Clinton Percival aka 'Tinnie', “The boys played well compared to our last game. They worked hard as a unit, but made a few individual errors that cost us the four goals.“
Percival also noted that he had seen a vast improvement in the way the team defended and attacked. “I must say that I am pleased, not with the result, but with the effort and desire that was displayed in the game,” he said.
Coach Percival; however, also bemoaned that it was unfortunate the team is still making certain mistakes. “We have to be using the actual tournament to get playing time as a full unit, but they're improving with every game, and we just have to put this game behind us and continue to work hard and improve on making less mistakes. I am expecting an even better performance and result in our next game.”
Team improvement showing - FA President
BVIFA President, Mr Andy C. Bickerton, who was part of the crowd supporting the VI boys, also felt there were some signs of improvement. “This was a much better team performance," he said.
"They held their shape with discipline and the players had a better understanding of their roles. Unfortunately, we conceded goals from personal errors, but that is what happens with young inexperienced players, so we have to take it and move on.”
The VI will be up against Sint Maarten on Thursday, November 11, 2021, a team who collected their first win of the tournament in a 2-0 final over Dominica. Jean Jacques Craane scored in the 37th minute before Reshawn Eustace polished off the three points with a goal in the 88th minute.
The VI will face Dominica in their last game of the Tournament on Saturday, November 13, 2021.
.png)
Follow Us On
5 Responses to “'Improved' VI lose 0-4 to Grenada @ CONCACAF U20 C'Ship qualifier”
When a lie is constantly repeated it becomes truth! Also, what is the definition of insanity? Repeating a failing process and expecting positives.
How long has the same old tune being played and replayed about the improvement of football development in the British Virgin Islands? Too many times, till it's become a long yawn. For those enlightened ones who know the truth of what transpires behind closed doors in the Football Association, there's no real plan for long term success or just success at all. The BVI is a small country and it gets funding from FIFA. That said with fewer Coaches, players and other stakeholders to manage, one would expect that by now the various teams in the national setup should at least be able to beat some of the Caribbean football powerhouses by now.
A simple, well thought of strategic plan created by the best minds whose intentions are pure will surely lead to a difference in everything football in the BVI. Just take a look at the stadium facility and you will see one of the reasons for the current malaise in our football. Coaches are not properly educated at the highest international standards, not respected or paid properly. Some of the players are very disrespectful and very technically challenged(fancy term for terrible) at playing the sport. Imagine trying to coach them but their discipline levels are extremely low and it seems to have no code of conduct to fix that. They are not indoctrinated to respect God, country and display no pride in representing the BVI like players of other nations do. Watch their matches, attend their training sessions and you will see.
Then you have a President who allegedly rules the Football Association as his personal fiefdom with his also alleged incompetent executive just there for their personal gain it seems. It is said that if you dare to challenge Mr. *******, your career in football could be over unless you grovel to get back into his good graces.
"The players will always get better". Always the excuse. If you want to see proper football coaching and training go on YouTube and search for Frans Hoek masterclass or Ajax Amsterdam training. Then go check the local coaches at their sessions and make a comparison.
Football in the BVI in my opinion would never improve once the current slate led by Andrew Bickerton and Avanell Clarkie Morton have temporal authority over football development. They seem incapable and visionless and should step down and avoid tarnishing their already ruined reputations.
In parting, just reflect on how many years of promises that the BVIFA has made and the results have been paltry. Then compare other little Caribbean nations and check how they've progressed.
The hope is that hopefully by next elections or before by a miracle a new crop of pure, dedicated, intelligent, innovative and driven people, take up the mantle and start the process for a golden future legacy for football development in our beautiful British Virgin Islands.