Bodden Town has dominated the domestic football scene, winning four trophies in the past year, but that excellence will be severely tested in the Caribbean Football Union Club Championship in Puerto Rico this weekend.
It’s the first round of a tournament that pits the Caribbean’s best sides against each other. Bodden Town faces Puerto Rico’s finest, Bayamon, on Friday, then Guadeloupe’s Saint Rosienne on Sunday before tackling Curacao’s Centro Dominquito on Tuesday.
Captained by Yefrey Calderon, Bodden Town must win their group to advance to the semifinals. Goalkeeper Ramon Sealy will have a busy time, and few chances will fall to main strikers Theron Wood and Alex Belcher. The midfield, marshaled by Kareem James, will be under pressure too. Nevertheless, BT is buoyant.
“It would be a great thing if we go and win some games because that shows that Cayman has talent,” Wood said. “And we can show the rest of the Caribbean that we can play.”
Bodden Town is the Premier League champion, FA Cup holder, winner of the Community Shield, and two weeks ago added the inaugural President’s Cup to their impressive haul. While the team is happy with its domestic success, manager Kennedy Kelly feels that playing outside their comfort zone will be great and he is looking forward to the stiffer competition.
“This gives us an opportunity to play at a higher level and give our players some exposure,” he said. “Some of the players on the Bodden Town team want to play professionally. A scout might see one of them and, you never know, make some history.”
BT technical director Elbert McLean is confident his youngsters can acquit themselves well. “I did some research on Bayamon and I’m pretty certain we can match them,” he said.
“I told my players that we may be going into these games not considered the best, but if we give our best, then we are capable of winning.”
There are four Cayman residents officiating in this tournament. Mark Campbell will be a match commissioner, Alfredo Whittaker a referee assessor, Christophel Stewart will be a referee and Dwayne Ebanks a referee’s assistant.
Bruce Blake, first vice-president of the Cayman Islands Football Association, has high hopes for BT. “It is important for our domestic teams to compete in these championships,” he said.
“It will ensure that our top teams receive a higher level of competition and over time will raise the level of our domestic league. I wish Bodden Town all the best.” For local football to improve, Blake sees regularly competing in this annual tournament as vital, and clubs “should not keep opting in and out.”
Blake said he has watched BT play this season and they seem to be getting fitter and are now playing as a unit. “It is good that they are reaching their peak towards the end of the season. Granted, they are in a very difficult group, but I see no reason why they cannot advance.”
As for the four officials being selected, Blake feels it reflects well on Cayman’s domestic football scene. “To be selected to officiate in the Club Championship is a testament to our officials. I expect them to perform to a very high standard.”
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