Harry Twite On CNL Match, Football & More
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Harry Twite said the Bermuda national football team are determined to continue their winning streak as they prepare to face the Dominican Republic in their final Concacaf Nations League group match today [November 19].
Bermuda have won their past four group D matches and are strongly positioned to secure one of the Concacaf Gold Cup preliminary round spots, awarded to the best two runners-up across all groups.
Coach Michael Findlay’s side are second in their group on 12 points, three behind the Dominican Republic, who have a far superior goal difference.
“Everyone is dedicated to the task,” Twite told Bernews.” We know how hard it will be, but we’re all focused and ready for the challenge.
“At any level, four straight wins makes everyone feel good and you can feel a shift in the mood. Everyone is in high spirits.
“The best games are those when you’re fighting for something.
“We’re proud to have put ourselves in this position, and we’ll do everything we can to reach the Gold Cup. It’s an attainable feat for us.”
The defender said he has relished playing alongside players he idolised as a youngster and wants to emulate their historic achievement of qualifying for the Gold Cup in 2019.
“I remember being a ball boy in a match against Mexico [in the Nations League] in 2019, so to be part of the team now is very exciting.
“It felt weird at first. I was like, ‘What’s going on?’ I was doing my A-Levels [at Warwick Academy] when I was called up to the squad.
“I’d been watching these guys since I was 13. They’re all really nice people and great team-mates.
“Hopefully I can have the same experience those players had [at the Gold Cup] in 2019 by reaching the next tournament.”
The 19-year-old has formed a formidable defensive partnership with Danté Leverock, who captained the team during their 2-1 victory over Antigua and Barbuda on Saturday, stepping in for goalkeeper Dale Eve.
“Danté has been exceptionally helpful, not just in the way he communicates, but the way he acts on the pitch,” Twite said.
“He generates and brings the energy for our team. It’s been a big help playing alongside him. He’s a proper leader for Bermuda.”
Twite is currently balancing his football career with his studies in biological sciences at Loughborough University, having previously played for King’s Lynn in the Vanarama National League North.
“It’s a change of pace, and I’m enjoying it,” he added. “I had a lot of down-time at King’s Lynn and wasn’t doing much other than training and playing.
“Studying biological sciences and playing football keeps my day full. It’s a good standard and keeps me playing men’s football.
“Football is a big part of my life. I’ll always try and play football at the highest level I can wherever I am.”
