Concacaf Caribbean Shield test for Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant

Defending Concacaf Caribbean Cup champions Mount Pleasant Football Academy will make their debut in the Concacaf Caribbean Shield today against Weymouth Wales of Barbados, at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago. Kick-off time is 12:30 p.m.
Coach Theodore Whitmore knows only a place in the final of this tournament will afford him team the opportunity to defend their regional crown.
Nevertheless, he believes they have the experience, the motivation and the quality to see themselves past the Barbadian club for a place in the semi-finals.
“We have seen them and we know the level of competitiveness they offer and we are up for it. We have been training for the past three-and-a-half weeks so we are in a decent condition to go out there and give a good account of ourselves.
“We have players that have won (Caribbean Cup) and it is a big motivation for them and others to do well in this competition.
 “I am very confident. We have experienced players who have played in the Caribbean Cup tournament so we have a mixture of experience and youth, and we are looking forward to the game,” he said 
Last year Weymouth Wales defeated Cavalier 2-1 in the Caribbean Cup and Whitmore expects the Barbadians to present a sturdy challenge, but one he expects his team to overcome.
“We have to respect our opponents. They are seasoned campaigners and we know what they can offer. We have to go out and focus on ourselves and get the job done.”
Mount Pleasant were expected to open their campaign against All Saints last Saturday, but their Antiguan opponents withdrew, giving the Jamaican club a bye into the last 16.
“We would have preferred to go into the game with a game under our belts. Nonetheless, it is what it is. We have to focus on what needs be done and get it done,” Whitmore said.
 The former national midfielder and coach is also pleased with how his new recruits, Trayvone Reid, Nichalia Fuller, Kevaun Wilson and Ricardo Thomas, are adjusting to life at the club and is looking for them to continue where they left off with their previous clubs.
“They are accustomed to playing against or with some of these players. They are here and they seem to be enjoying the Mount Pleasant family so far,” Whitmore said.
livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com