BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – PRESIDENT of the St. Kitts and Nevis Football Association, Anthony Johnson wants citizens and residents of the Federation to turn out in their numbers wearing red in support of the national team this evening (Mar. 29) at the Warner Park Cricket Stadium.
The national football team, Sugar Boys, will lock horns with their neighbours, Antigua and Barbuda, in a top of Group 1 clash in the Caribbean Cup.
At a press conference held this morning at Football House, President Johnson explained that the two teams are currently tied on three points in the three-team group, noting that both teams have qualified for the next round but the matchup this evening would see the winner taking bragging rights and topping the group.
“Tonight really is the clash of the two teams that have already qualified for the next round of the Caribbean Cup. However, a lot is at stake tonight. As we know, this traditional long-standing rivalry between Antigua and Barbuda and St. Kitts and Nevis goes back before I was born,” Johnson said.
The Sugar Boys had brushed aside Aruba 2-nil on Saturday, last, while Antigua and Barbuda had a more difficult time when they edged the Arubans 2-1.
Johnson described the rivalry as being heated and passionate, and as such he expects the game to be very exciting encounter.
“I want to encourage the general public to come out in their numbers tonight to witness this showdown, because it will be a showdown between two sporting giants. We expect you and we encourage you to come out and support our Sugar Boys. The Team Colour for tonight is red.”
National Coach of the Antigua and Barbuda team, Rolston Williams said that his unit is very confident of attaining victory, pointing out that their previous encounters should not be taken into account coming into this matchup.
“Sometimes results do not reflect the way you play, so we are very confident coming into this match. I am a confident individual and I never try to be negative. At the end of the day, the game plays on the day and yes we are confident coming in.”
Jacques Spassy, the Sugar Boys Coach, told reporters that the tournament is a very important one for the team, as it an environment his team and others in the region could be able to compete against various styles of football that they may not see in the local arena. This, he pointed out, is similar to that of the teams in Europe.
Kickoff time is 8:00 p.m. and admission is EC$40. Patrons are asked to use the Lozack Road entrance to the cricket ground.
