Western Tigers are enthusiastic about being in the 21st Kashif and Shanghai tournament, according to coach Kavin Pearce, who says that working with the tournament’s defending champions is a plus since they are a talented bunch. Pearce, a coach for 21 years, said during a practice session last evening at the National Gymnasium, that his players have been working since early in the season.
However, he said that he has been drilling into his charges that they should remain grounded in light of the other teams that will be gunning for their title. Further, he stated that his team will not be taking any of their opponents lightly, starting with the Buxton United team, whom he feels is rich with talent.“On any given day a team can beat you so I don’t discriminate that any team can’t beat you but I would like to thank God to ensure we play as we can,” Pearce said.
Apart from that Pearce noted that his team
is a blend of youth and experience with the older players working to guide the younger ones. According to Pearce, however, his team’s biggest setback is not having a ground to work on during the inclement weather.
He emphasised that the players have had to resort to using the gymnasium in the morning and in the night. They work out in the morning to deal with the tactical aspects of the game while they utilize the night to work on fitness. At the moment, Pearce believes that the strength of his team lies in its defence and with the inclusion of Colin Nelson and Delon Fraser, who recently returned from duties with the Golden Jaguars in Martinique, other aspects will get the relevant support. He also described Stellon David as a valuable player in the side who helps to set up the creative plays for his teammates.
On the other hand, Pearce said that his players have been gelling nicely and there is good chemistry and he wants them to take that same spirit into the tournament.
