Coach Naquita Robinson On Upcoming Match
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Naquita Robinson, the Bermuda women’s national team coach, said she is happy to have a selection headache ahead of her team’s Concacaf W Gold Cup qualifier against Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at the Flora Duffy Stadium tomorrow [December 1].
Aside from LeiLanni Nesbeth, who is unavailable due to commitments for Florida State University in the NCAA Tournament, Robinson has a full-strength squad to select from, having drafted in the likes of Kenni Thompson, who is expected to make her debut, Nia Christopher, Micah Pond and Zemira Webb.
Despite the fierce competition for places in her starting line-up, Robinson said team harmony could not be better, describing her squad as a “special group” and insisting everyone is “on the same page”.
Robinson told Bernews: “It’s a beautiful headache to have – I don’t mind it at all. It’s about keeping everybody in the same space. It’s not an easy task, but one I’m enjoying.
“We don’t want to engage LeiLanni at this time as we want her to stay focused on her commitments with FSU. It will be amazing to have her onboard at some stage, though.
“Everyone wants to play, but they understand I can only put eleven players on the field. I can call upon someone at any point, so there’s no time to sulk if you’re not starting. It’s key everyone stays happy and on task with what we’re trying to accomplish.”
Bermuda head into the final qualifying window with their fate in their own hands, knowing wins against Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the Dominican Republic away on Tuesday will guarantee they top group C League B and advance to the play-off against one of the group runners-up from League A.
“The girls are the ones who have put us in this position, put in the hard work, and expressed themselves on the pitch. I’ve just facilitated the process,” Robinson said.
“I’ve never been as happy or excited with how we’re playing. The players know this is their time, and they’re riding high.”
The inaugural W Gold Cup, running from February 20 to March 10 in the United States, will feature 12 teams.
