Sachiel Ming Relishing Saudi Experience
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Sachiel Ming said he is determined to “soak up the experience” of the Fifa Series in Saudi Arabia after being called up to the Bermuda senior squad for the first time.
He was among five under-20 players named in coach Michael Findlay’s 23-man squad for the series, a pilot project launched to provide international friendly matches between teams from different federations who do not usually get opportunities to play each other.
Bermuda face Brunei Darussalam on Friday [March 22] and Guinea next Tuesday. Both matches will be played at Stadium King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
Ming impressed for the Bermuda Under-20 side at the Concacaf Under-20 Championship in St Kitts and Nevis last month, scoring in a 2-1 win over Grenada.
“I wasn’t expecting the call-up [for the Bermuda senior team],” Ming told Bernews. “I was informed as soon as a got back from the under-20 trip.
“It was very surprising. It’s a wonderful opportunity to grow and learn from professional players.”
The winger, who has earned a scholarship to NCAA Division I powerhouse Syracuse University in New York after his eye-catching displays for Northwood School in Lake Placid, said he has relished the past few days in the Middle East.
“It’s been an unforgettable experience so far,” he said. “The professionalism of the players and staff will help me grow. Hopefully, I’ll have many more opportunities to come.
“It’s been exciting, especially being able to experience the trip with some of my under-20 team-mates [Daion Swan-DeSilva, Harry Twite, Riley Robinson and Aunde Todd].
“It would be nice to get some minutes and experience this level of football, so I can take it back the US [at the college level].
“I just want to help the team and see what level I’m at.”
The 18-year-old, who played for PHC Zebras and Robin Hood’s youth teams, will continue his football development at semi-professional Vermont side Black Rock FC in the USL League D2 this summer.
