Aunde Todd Eyeing World Cup Qualifiers
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Aunde Todd said he is hoping to feature in Bermuda’s World Cup qualifying matches in June after impressing during the Fifa Series in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, last month.
Todd was among five under-20 players named in head coach Michael Findlay’s 23-man squad for the trip to the Middle East and did his chances no harm by scoring in a 2-0 win over Brunei Darussalam.
It was the midfielder’s first goal for his country, and he admits he will forever cherish the special moment.
“I was surprised to score, and I just tried to take it all in,” Todd told Bernews.
“The tip to Saudi Arabia was an amazing experience on and off the field.
“It’s boosted my confidence to have played against Brunei and Guinea [a 5-1 defeat].”
The series was a pilot project to provide friendly matches between nations who do not usually get opportunities to play each other and served as preparation for Bermuda’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Bermuda face Honduras, Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba and the Cayman Islands in group A of the qualifiers, the second stage of the Concacaf competition.
They are scheduled to face Antigua and Barbuda away on June 5 and Honduras at home on June 8.
“Fingers crossed, I’ll be involved,” Todd said. “Hopefully, my performances from the past two games has helped me.”
Todd helped Berkshire side Sandhurst win the Combined Counties League Division One title last season and has featured for them in the Premier League South this term.
He is dual registered with Walton & Hersham in the Southern League Premier Division South, making one appearance for the Surrey outfit this campaign.
“I haven’t played as much club football this season as last season; hopefully, that will change next season,” Todd said.
The 18-year-old, who played for BAA’s youth teams, moved to England six years ago to pursue his football ambitions, having trials at Chelsea, Luton Town and Milton Keynes Dons.
He hopes to turn professional in the next year or two and impressed during a trial in February at Slavia Karlovy Vary, who play in the third tier in the Czech Republic.
“I’m trying to get into showcase games right now,” he added. “I’d like to have a pre-season at a semi-professional or professional club. The end goal is to play professional football.”
Aunde’s journey has been wonderful and eye-opening to see. He has had drive since a young age and I know bigger things are still yet to come. His brother and father’s support, his father’s vision combined with his passion…Aunde will continue to go far!