International football game must be on FIFA certified field

The Soca Warriors from Trinidad are now in the jewel for a friendly game with the national football team. That game was planned for this Saturday at the MCC ground but there is possibility tonight that the schedule will change. The Soca Warriors do not find the MCC Grounds adequate and instead want to play at the F.F.B. Stadium in Belmopan. The hitch is that the stadium has been booked for the Band Fest. News Five Isani Cayetano has this story.

Shaun Fuentes, PR Coordinator, Soca Warriors

“What we’re seeing here at the MCC is not up to par, it’s not conducive to good football.  We’re preparing for a tournament, we have the safety of our players to look after and we’re not sure if that venue is the best facility for the international game.”

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

After surveying the pitch at the MCC Grounds in Belize City earlier today, the Soca Warriors organization has placed on record its discontent with the condition of the playing field.  As previously reported, the international friendly match between Belize and Trinidad & Tobago will be held here on Saturday.  That decision, which succeeds an agreement to host the annual Band Fest competition at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan that same day, remains, despite other concerns about the upkeep of the pitch.

Ruperto Vicente

Ruperto Vicente, President, Football Federation of Belize

“After discussing the matter with the organizers and we made it clear that any team that’s going to be wearing high heel shoes cannot step on the stadium, you know.  And so the type of shoe that’s going to be worn is not going to put anything, is not going to damage any part of our stadium and so we made that decision.  This was long before we agreed on the game with Trinidad.”

The coaching staff of the visiting team, on the other hand, is seeking to have the game deferred in order for it to be played at the FIFA-certified venue.

Shaun Fuentes

Shaun Fuentes

“We’re hoping that something can be sorted out even if it means playing the game possibly a day before that event on Saturday in Belmopan, hopefully something can be sorted out.  But right now we’re not too pleased about the venue but, as I said, we’re here already and we’re looking forward to the game and getting the game off.”

The Soca Warriors held its first practice earlier this evening.  According to Shaun Fuentes, the team’s public relations coordinator, it is an opportunity for its members to make the final cut for Gold Cup 2013.  They’re also trying to secure a win against Team Belize this second time around.

Shaun Fuentes

“We have some players who are trying to make a good impression on the coach and they are here for this game and Kenwyne Jones, as you know, plays in the premiership and he is hoping to catch some good form and we want to show the people of Belize what we are capable of.  The last time around the game finished at zero-zero and, as I said, this time we’ll be looking to get some goals on the score sheet.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Isani Cayetano.