Everything may not be perfect for Coach Jamaal Shabazz in his players department heading into Friday’s Caribbean Football Union Club Championship Second Round first-leg tie against Haitian club Tempête FC from 8pm at the Larry Gomes Stadium, however the Caledonia AIA head coach remains focused on getting the job done.
“We are looking past not having (injured) Nuru Abdullah Muhammad and Walter Moore (who has taken up a contract with USL club Charlotte Eagles),” said Shabazz.
“We will most likely use Kemron Purcell in central defence for Muhammad and Marcus Ambrose on the leftside for Moore.”
Added to Muhammad and Moore, the Caledonia coach is yet to have Trinidad and Tobago international strikers Cornell Glen and Juma Clarence signed, while Guyanese teenaged sensation Trayon Bobb is still recovering from an injury.
Glen is out of contract with MLS club San Jose Earthquakes and Juma Clarence opted to join Caledonia after a stint with Turkish club Hacettepe.
Shabazz explained his club is still awaiting the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation’s assistance in having both players transferred into his side, but was happy to announce the return of 31 year old St. Lucian defender Sheldon Emmanuel.
Speaking on Friday’s clash against Tempête, Shabazz said, “We are going to give our best for the win and put ourselves in a good position to advance into the semi-final round.”
The Caledonia coach said that he expects a very fit Tempête, as displayed by regular Haitian football.
However his side remains confident and is currently riding the proud moment of representing Trinidad and Tobago in the CFU for the first time in the club’s history.
“At the end of the day it’s the most important game of our lives, and we are going to treat it as such on and off the field,” continued Shabazz.
“The guys are proud at the moment because of the fact that we along with Defence Force are representing Trinidad and Tobago. Our players see themselves as National players and it’s a really proud and historic moment for the club.”
The Larry Gomes Stadium will come alive from 6pm when Defence Force take on Guyana’s Milerock followed by Caledonia’s clash against Tempête.
Caledonia booked its place in the Second Round after a resounding 6-0 aggregate win over Delphic Newtown United of St Kitts/Nevis, edging the Kittitians 1-0 away and a more than comforting 5-0 result at home in the second leg.
The winners of the Second Round home and away aggregate series will then advance into the semi-final round from May 25 in Trinidad.