Michael Findlay On World Cup Qualifiers
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Michael Findlay, the Bermuda head coach, said he is relishing the challenge of getting the best out of the team’s crop of youngsters as they begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Findlay’s side face Antigua and Barbuda away tomorrow [June 5] before returning home to play Honduras at the Flora Duffy Stadium on Sunday.
Included in the youthful-looking 23-man squad are relative newcomers such as Andrew Kempe, Aunde Todd, Daion Swan-DeSilva, Keziah Martin, Riley Robinson, Ne-Jai Tucker, Jai Bean, Remy Coddington and Sachiel Ming.
Meanwhile, Caleb McDowall has been called up to the squad for the first time.
“Since I joined in August, we’ve lowered the average age of the group by about three-and-half to four years,” Findlay told Bernews.
“I’m a firm believer in youth. We’re trying to combine experience with our new blood and transition through cycles and competitions more effectively rather than always starting from the beginning.
“It’s about balance. It’s about helping the younger players acclimatise to international football and ensure they have a no-fear mindset and apply themselves to achieve the best results.
“You can only do that when you have a balanced group, which I believe we have.”
Although Bermuda are missing wingers Lejaun Simmons and Justin Donawa through injury and Reggie Lambe, who made himself unavailable for both matches, Findlay is confident his team have the talent and know-how to make a winning start.
“We’re looking for three points – that’s what we need,” he said. “This team doesn’t pick itself. There’s competition for places, which is critical to international success.
“We’re happy with who we have available. We had a beneficial March [at the Fifa Series in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia] both on and off the field and hope to build on that in the coming days.”
The former Grenada coach, who arrived in Antigua with his squad yesterday, said he believes his players are beginning to embrace and understand the key tenants of his playing style and philosophy.
“We had a meeting yesterday and talked about the progression and development of the group,” Findlay said.
“We’ve been really pleased with how the players have bought into the characteristics and principles we believe in.
“We’ve seen a very positive progression. We want to enjoy our football, but that enjoyment must translate to wins. That’s what we’re moving towards.”
Findlay said they must start their campaign strongly and head into their second match against Honduras in a positive mindset.
“We’re very excited about the games because World Cup qualifying is special,” he added.
“We will look for success here, go home, and prepare for Honduras, a difficult opponent, on Sunday.”
Bermuda squad
Goalkeepers
Andrew Kempe [Temple University], Dale Eve [Walsall Wood], Detre Bell [North Village]
Defenders
Caleb McDowall [Anderson University], Danté Leverock [Dandy Town], Harry Twite [King’s Lynn], J’Nai Butterfield-Steede [Droylsden], Luke Robinson [unattached], Reese Jones [Hartley Wintney]
Midfielders
Aunde Todd [Walton & Hersham], Daion Swan-Desilva [North Village], Keziah Martin [unattached], Ne-Jai Tucker [unattached], Riley Robinson [Newent Town], Roger Lee [Barwell]
Forwards
Djair Parfitt [unattached], Jai Bean [North Village), Kane Crichlow (Bishop Stortford], Knory Scott [Lancing FC], Kole Hall [unattached], Remy Coddington [College of Charleston University], Sachiel Ming ([Northwood School/Black Rock], Zeiko Lewis [Union Omaha]
