Nesbeth & Robinson On Island Games Football
[Written by Stephen Wright]
LeiLanni Nesbeth said the Bermuda women’s football team have set their sights on winning the gold medal at the NatWest International Island Games in Guernsey, the Channel Islands.
The attacking midfielder is one of the notable names in coach Naquita Robinson’s squad for the biennial Games, which start on Saturday [July 8].
Although Nesbeth admits the three teams in their group – Jersey, Hitra and Aland – are unknown quantities, she is confident Bermuda can mount a challenge for gold.
Bermuda’s football teams last competed at the Island Games when the event was on home soil in 2013, where the women’s side won the competition after defeating Greenland 5-4 in a penalty shootout.
A look at the women’s penalty shootout at the Island Games back in 2013
“It’s my first time involved in this type of competition,” Nesbeth told Bernews. “I’m focused on scoring goals, contributing to our success, and hopefully winning gold.
“I don’t want to talk recklessly, but obviously, winning gold is the goal. Looking at our roster, I believe it’s within reach.”
With three games in as many days, Nesbeth believes every player must be ready to contribute when called upon.
“It won’t be about the eleven starters, and everyone must be ready when the team needs them,” the 21-year-old said.
The Games will also help Bermuda prepare for their Concacaf W Gold Cup League B qualifiers, which start in September.
“It’s a stepping stone,” Nesbeth said. “The more games we have, the better. They help us understand what we need to do and what we need to add.”
Nesbeth, who helped Florida State University win the NCAA National Championships in 2021, said she has been maintaining her fitness by training with the Tallahassee Men’s Soccer Club, where she is doing an internship.
“I’ve been coaching senior players, high school players and putting on some training camps,” said Nesbeth, who starts her master’s degree in sports management at Florida State in the autumn.
“I’ve been working out like crazy, running my butt off, and getting some friendly games under my belt.”
Coach Robinson, who led Bermuda to the title in 2013, believes her talented squad is well-equipped to repeat that success.
“We’re in a good space, and this squad has been together for the best part of four years now,” she said.
“Regardless of who starts and who comes on, everyone is considered a game-changer.
“The 2013 group was a good team in that era, but this team has a lot of experience, and I think we can achieve the same thing. Our objective is the same: to win the Island Games.”
Bermuda must win their group or be the best second-place team to advance to the semi-finals.
“In 2013, we only had to play two games [to win gold], whereas this time we will have to play five,” Robinson said. “We want to win the group and not worry about being the best second-place team.
“We played Hitra and Aland [in 2013] and know they will be tough matches. We expect Jersey to be a good team too.”
Fixtures: Sunday, July 9 v Jersey; Monday, July 10 v Hitra; Tuesday, July 11 v Aland.
Squad: Khyla Brangman, Emily Cabral, Deshae Darrell, Samantha Davies, Victoria Davis, Keunna Dill, Trinae Edwards, Sierra Fisher, Eva Frazzoni, Taznae Fubler, Akeyla Furbert, Koa Goodchild, Symira Lowe-Darrell, LeiLanni Nesbeth, Jya Ratteray-Smith, Jahde Simmons, Za’Khari Turner, Ashley Tutas, Danni Watson, Zemira Webb. Officials: Naquita Robinson, Vance Brown, Daniel Johnson, Manny Faria. Physio: Julesa Robinson.
