Danté Leverock Targets 50 Bermuda Caps
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Danté Leverock said he is proud to be closing in on winning a landmark 50 caps for the Bermuda national football team.
The experienced defender is set to make his 48th appearance for Bermuda in their Concacaf Nations League match against Antigua and Barbuda in Dominican Republic today [November 16].
Leverock, the former Bermuda captain, retired from international duty in May 2021 before reversing his decision a month later.
Now embracing what he calls the final chapter of his career, the 32-year-old is eager to leave a lasting legacy for the team and its emerging talents.
“I know my time [as a Bermuda player] is coming to an end,” Leverock told Bernews. “I’m enjoying helping the younger players come through like Harry [Twite] and be a mentor to them.
“My goal is to reach 50 caps and then see what happens. That would be a special milestone.”
Reggie Lambe, Bermuda’s most-capped player, reached the landmark of 50 appearances during a Concacaf Nations League match against French Guiana a year ago, setting a benchmark for players such as Leverock to follow.
Bermuda must beat Antigua to maintain pressure on League B group D leaders Dominican Republic, who they meet on Tuesday in their final match of the campaign as they look to return to the Gold Cup.
Should Bermuda finish second in the group they would likely qualify for the Gold Cup prelims – a gateway to the prestigious regional tournament.
Leverock captained the team when they made history by qualifying for the competition for the first time in 2019.
“We’re willing to put in the work to get the job done,” Leverock said. “We’ve won three qualifiers on the run and that’s helped build our confidence.
“Our goal is to win our next two matches and push for the Gold Cup.”
Nahki Wells has boosted Bermuda’s promotion hopes after returning to the fold in their 6-1 win over Dominica at home last month, scoring a hat-trick.
He missed the second match against Dominica as he had to prepare for Bristol City’s match away to Middlesbrough in the Sky Bet Championship.
It is likely he will feature in both Bermuda’s upcoming matches, with City’s next game at home to Burnley on November 23.
“Nahki’s a leader on and off the field and one of the most experienced players Bermuda has had,” Leverock added.
“He helps the younger guys in training – they see his movement and scoring ability.
“We know if we can put the ball in the right positions he will score. That gives us a new level of confidence.”
