Yesterday was a rainy day in Belmopan which I believe was part of the reason why only 20 players were in attendance during my visit at the national team training camp at the FFB Training Facility. But despite the wet conditions, I got a first hand view of the actual training sessions. As an observer, it was fun to watch but from the players standpoint it was serious business.
Training is done in two sessions. Luis Cabrera leads the morning session which is dedicated to physical training. Carlos Antonio Viereia leads the afternoon session which deals with basic and fundamental drills that also have some physical training aspect.
There are several things that are obvious from the very start. Firstly, all the players in general are in good shape and physical condition. However, there were quite a few who struggled a bit with some drill exercises that appeared to be elementary. But from my early exposure in athletics, I know better. These simple drills can be very strenuous and physically draining but are very helpful in the development of the players. Also, some players could very well use some work with the basic fundamentals like passing and shooting.
All in all, the training went extremely well and the players are in good spirits. The day’s activity was however marred by an unfortunate incident which resulted in the suspension of two players, who violated the team rules with behavior unbecoming an athlete (much less a player on the national team). No decision has been made on the fate of the suspended players.
Perhaps it is a very late start to say the least but our chances are improving as the competition draws near. So far, there are five players who can be considered a sure bet as part of the official selection. These include goalkeeper Shane Orio who plays with Puntarenas FC in Costa Rica, midfielder Selvin De Leon who plays with Deportivo Petapa in Guatemala and midfielder Ryan Simpson who plays with Atlético Chiriquí in Panama. The other two names are goalkeepers Charles Slusher and Woodrow West. A list of 24 names, including the 5 mentioned, have been submitted to CONCACAF as being the players for the national team. However, I understand that the list is not final and is still subject to some drastic changes.
A Belizean contingent of prospective players for the national team left for Sayaxche, Peten, Guatemala early this morning with the intention of playing a return match with the Deportivo Sayaxche. But due to road conditions caused by recent rains, the contingent had to turn back. The match has been postponed for a later date. Belize had won the first encounter 1-0 last Thursday from a goal by Harrison “Cafu” Roches at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio, Cayo.