A very eventful and exciting second stage of the Digicel Kick Start football Clinic was successfully wrapped up in Haiti last Monday, with local players fiercely going after the six coveted spots to Sunderland AFC’s Academy of Lights.
In the last day of competition, more than a thousand spectators gathered at the Sylie Cator National Stadium to witness the National U-20 register a sensational 2-1 victory over senior local contenders Tempete FC. According to Digicel’s media correspondent, both teams played strong defence which gave rise to an overall exciting and aggressive matchup.
The national side instituted a sturdy defence early in the fast paced game against their older contenders, who, wasted no time and jumped out to an early 1-0 lead just seven minutes into the game. The nationals would not be discouraged and scored the equalizer 18 minutes later, then produced the game-winning effort in the 57th minute of the match.
Head coach the Digicel Clinic John Barnes expressed his delight at the high,notable level of football and excellent support from fans in Haiti.
“Haiti lives for football and you can see this through the reception the clinics have received from supporters over the last three days. I have already seen five or six players that are definite contenders for the six to go to Sunderland. I have seen a high level of football in Haiti. If the quality I’ve seen here is everywhere in the Caribbean, then Caribbean football is in a healthy state.” He said
Barnes also said that the tactical and overall technical skills of the Haitian players certainly proved that they were on par with European and South American Players.
Captain of the Haiti U-20 side, Occenat Patterson, expressed his confidence in members of his team being part of the select six since they worked exceedingly hard for the opportunity.
President of the Haiti Football Federation, Yves Jean Bart who was present at each day of the three-day clinic, complimented Digicel for their positive initiatives that they continue to embark on in Haiti. Bart also warned Barnes that he might have to pick all of the six players form Haiti because of their superior talent.
The eight-country Digicel Kick Start Clinics now make their way to Barbados for the third leg ending Saturday January 19 and after all territories have been visited, Barnes will announce the six players that will be chosen to train at Sunderland AFC’s Academy of Light.
