BVI Football Association Head Coach, Chris Kiwomya is looking to the future with young players as he looks to close the gap in Nations League encounter with Puerto Rico at the A.O. Shirley Ground on March 23rd, 2023.
In a recent interview on 284 Media, ahead of the CONCACAF Nations’ League clash with Puerto Rico, Men’s National team Head Coach, Chris Kiwomya noted that he had been impressed with the showing of two or three youth players and that some would, no doubt, get their opportunity to be involved and gain experience in the senior set up.
BVIFA President, Andy Bickerton, current National team captain, Troy Caesar and forward Tyler Forbes were also in attendance and, such has been the impact of a development plan spearheaded by Bickerton, supported by his Executive Committee, that those two, still youthful players are already considered stalwarts of the team and are about to be joined by the next generation from the BVIFA’s youth development programme.
When asked by the President, Coach Kiwomya cautioned that it was a big step up from youth to Men’s football, but mentioned Johari Lacey, Azarni Callwood, and the Abram brothers as being in line for a chance to gain experience in what will be a tough game to end the CONCACAF Champions League campaign.
Forbes recognised that the level of the National League had increased and was much more competitive. Coach Kiwomya is keen to reward those players doing well in the local league by giving them an opportunity to get used to being around the senior players. He also sees the benefits of involving them and encouraging them to continue their development and keep improving as they are the future of the national team.
Rebels coach, Latoya Sue – recently praised by the Deputy Governor, David Archer, for her work in Football – already has a cadre of other players like Denvin Jones, Jahmal Austin Prentice and Ikyjah Williams representing at National levels so Lacey and will be in good company.
VG United under Coaches Glen Bascombe, Richie Morton and Jermain Abrams are already boasting Giovanni Grant, Daniel Gilford, and Levon Williams having made senior debuts. That list could well be swelled by the likes of the Abrams brothers, Mekhi Waters and Sheldon Toney, who have all been involved at representative youth tournaments and are pushing for places in the senior squad. .
Another exciting prospect, and one mentioned by the coach as a possible contender, is Azarni Callwood.
According to the BVIFA, whatever the final squad is, and despite the fact that the reverse fixture resulted in a 0-6 defeat, with several youngsters coming into the frame, who are like family to each other, the game will prove a valuable experience against professional opponents and show the home fans National Pride.
