Willie Clemons On Cayman Match And More
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Willie Clemons believes Bermuda have the perfect opportunity to reignite their World Cup qualifying campaign when they face the Cayman Islands tonight [June 4] at the Flora Duffy Stadium.
The experienced midfielder is confident that back-to-back home wins – starting with Cayman and followed by Cuba on Tuesday [June 10] – would put Bermuda in a strong position to advance from group A to the third round of the regional qualifiers.
Currently sitting fifth in the group with one point from two matches – a draw away to Antigua and Barbuda and a home loss to Honduras – Bermuda are in need of a turnaround.
“The Cayman game is a chance for us to express ourselves and get off to a strong start to these two matches,” Clemons told Bernews.
“We need to be getting positive results against teams like this.
“We were disappointed to only come away with a draw against Antigua and Barbuda – we see ourselves as one of the better sides in the region.
“Two good results against Cayman and Cuba put us in a great position to progress from the group.”
The 30-year-old said the mood in the camp is upbeat, with the players fully focused before their crucial home fixtures.
He also called on the Bermuda faithful to pack the stands and give the team a much-needed boost.
“It’s always great to be back with the group, and there’s a great summer vibe on the island – but we know we’ve got work to do,” he said.
“Having fans out there makes a real difference. It lifts the whole team when we see people in the seats cheering us on.”
Clemons recently signed with English non-league side Leiston from Felixstowe & Walton.
“It’s an exciting new challenge,” said Clemons, who helped Felixstowe defeat Leiston on penalties in the Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup last season.
“Leiston tried to sign me a few years ago, but I joined Braintree Town because they were in a higher division.
“Unfortunately, that’s where I got injured and things didn’t go to plan.”
Now fully fit and optimistic, Clemons, who spent a year sidelined by a serious knee injury, believes he is close to returning to his best form.
“On a personal level, I’m just happy to be back playing. This is the best I’ve felt since the injury.
“Finishing the season injury-free is a big mental milestone. I’m aiming to hit my best form again – maybe even better than before. Leiston feels like the right fit at the right time.”
