by Charles Gladden
BELMOPAN, Tues. Sept. 19, 2023
On Independence Day, Thursday, September 21, the Belize Senior Women’s National Football Team is scheduled to play at 4:00 p.m. against Aruba at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan for the CONCACAF Road To W Gold Cup qualifier tournament.
The Women’s team will be playing in League C of the tournament and is also scheduled to play against Bonaire on Monday, September 25, in Belmopan, starting at 7:30 p.m.
Today, Tuesday, September 19, at the Football Federation of Belize Headquarters in Belmopan, the team held a brief press conference to introduce the players.
The Belize Senior Women National Football Team players are as follows: goalkeepers – Idania Ramirez, Jasmin Armstrong and Denissa Pineda; defenders – Mikhaila Bowden, Iamara Baptist, Shadette Lino, Vailene Lambert, Karisha Coe, Jahniah Arnold and Nigelee Myers; midfielders – Sabrina Eiley, Roshany Narvaez, Ashley Rodriguez, Jennisha Scott, Jessie McLaughlyn, Shamika Lambey, Ceneia Apolonio, Carlene Tillett and Kelsie Polanco; and strikers – Khalydia Velasquez, Elva Nunez and Kenya Perez.
“These women beside me are not just teammates, they are family, united by the common passion for the beautiful game. As a team, we trained tirelessly to push our limits and embrace the values of teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship. Each player here embodies the spirit of resilience and dedication that defines our journey,” said Sabrina Eiley, Captain of the team.
“Our team symbolizes the spirit of Belize, the resilience, the passion, and unity that define us both as players and as women. The female athletes of this team, through hard work and dedication, have earned the privilege of representing this country on the international stage, showcasing the very best of their talent and determination,” said Mikhaila Bowden, defender.
(AMANDALA Ed. Note: Friendly games are just that, friendlies, against selected opponents; but it is a good confidence builder. Starting at the lowest level, League C, the challenge for our Belize Women Jaguars is to win their way out of League C and up into League B and eventually to League A where the real contest for the Gold Cup takes place. Belize is in Group A of League C along with Aruba, Bonaire and Turks & Caicos Islands. The teams are playing home-and-away against each other in the group, so Belize will be playing 6 games, 3 home and 3 away. We can do this! Kuhngo, Belize!!)