Central F.C. spokesman, Kevin Jeffrey said “Of course, any game at this level will have its challenges, but the team is confident of winning through to the final round.”
The final round will be played between 20th and 24th May at a venue to be decided, with the winners from each of the four groups competing for three CONCACAF Champions League places.
“Strangely, it will be harder to qualify for the final round than qualify for CONCACAF” said Jeffrey “In the final round you can lose a game and still qualify in the 3rd place play off, but in the group stage, a loss will almost certainly mean you will not progress.”
The California based club will be travelling with a full squad and every player is Trinidadian. “We have to focus on our next Pro League game against Point Fortin on April 24th” explained Jeffrey “One or two players are carrying slight injuries so we will leave them at home to recuperate ready for the Point Fortin game.”
One more Pro League victory will almost certainly see the league title go to Central F.C. for the first time as they currently have a 6 point lead over second place W.Connection who have a game in hand. However, Central have a goal difference of plus 14 over Connection.
“It’s a good position to be in with two games remaining” said Jeffrey, who pointed out that this is only the clubs third season since it was formed. “The squad we will carry is full of experience and goals, so we know that we will be tough opposition in Guyana. But most importantly, this is a great experience for the players and the club and will stand us in good stead for next year’s Caribbean Cup which we have already qualified for.”
Meanwhile, the Central F.C. staff and players who remain in T&T will have a busy week.
We will be holding try outs for our women’s team this week and more info can be obtained on the Central F.C. Fan Club facebook page. Some of our players will also be visiting schools in the Central region this week to promote the Central F.C. Chuck E. Cheese coaching school which will be taking place at Lange Park on Saturday mornings starting in May.”
Live match updates of both of Central F.C.’s games in Guyana will be available on the Central F.c. Fan Club facebook page from 4pm on the 17th & 19th April.
Central F.C. squad for Guyana: Jan-Michael Williams, Elton John, Kevon Villaroel, Akeem Benjamin, Leston Paul, Jason Marcano, Sean de Silva, Marvin Oliver, Darren Mitchell, Jamal Jack, Kaydion Gabriel, Keion Goodridge, Javon Sample, Marcelle Francois, Nathaniel Garcia, Willis Plaza, Ataullah Guerra and Dwight Quintero.