Timing is everything when it comes to sports; for the past (4) days Bermuda’s National Senior Men’s Football team displayed their dedication, skills and teamwork against visiting Barbados during (2) International matches played over a (4) day period at the National Sports Centre.
Monday evening, National team Head Coach, Kenny Thompson, coached his team to another victory over Barbados, as both teams prepared themselves individually for this coming Sunday’s, World Cup Qualifier, when Trinidad & Tobago, “Soca Warriors,” host Bermuda “Gombey Warriors,” and USA host Barbados, in California.
From the outset, Bermuda continued to show fine form, with (7) new players in the starting line up from Friday nights starting (11) Barbados found themselves back paddling from the very first whistle. Bermuda opened their account in the 12th minute when, Keishen Bean received a perfect cross from the right side from Reggie Lambe, as he rose above the defense to guide a well placed header into the back of the net. Six minutes later, Bean scored again, after John Nusum received a well directed through ball pass on the right side, he so calmly crossed the ball to find an unmarked Bean who made no mistake scoring from close range.
With that goal, it sent a message to Barbados, in response; it clearly took the wind out of their sail, as they showed it was going to be a long night against the Gombey Warriors.
Nusum was rewarded after his hard work in the first half, teammate Khano Smith beat two defenders on the right side, leaving them in a daze; then followed on with a timely cross to Nusum, who found the back of the net, putting the Gombey Warriors up 3-nil at half time.
Keishen Bean continued to cause havoc in the Barbados defense; he came close to having a hat-trick as he created an opportunity for himself but could not finish off with a good shot.
However you look at it, Head Coach Kenny Thompson and his coaching staff has given the National Senior Men’s team new life on and off the field. Since his appointment May 10th, exactly one month ago today, players have taken their game to another level, just in time for the T &T World Cup Qualifier.
Playing the “Soca Warriors,” will not be an easy task, but with new life on confidence and team harmony within the National team, Thompson has provided his team with vision, trust and respect for each other that they will overcome T&T.
