The Tribune

WITH just one week to kick-off, the Bahamas Football Association (BFA) has named the team that will represent The Bahamas in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. There are many familiar faces that have represented Team Bahamas in previous international beach soccer tournaments, as well as some new players who will wear the national jersey for the first time.

• The following players will suit up for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017:

Julio Jemison – Goalkeeper

Making his first appearance with Team Bahamas, Julio is skilful with his hands and feet and one of the team’s top goalkeepers.

Jean “Sonny” Francois – Forward

One of the quickest on the sand, Sonny is playing for Team Bahamas for the first time and ready to show off his skills.

Mark Daniels – Defender

After a three-year hiatus, Mark is back on the beach soccer scene adding size and strength to the team’s defence.

Renardo McCallum – Forward

Known for his strength and defensive skills, Renardo is making his debut as a Bahamas national beach soccer player.

Kyle Williams – Forward

Considered one of the strongest shooters on the team with a powerful right leg, Kyle is a regular member of the national beach soccer Team.

Gary Joseph – Forward

Gary is a very skilful beach soccer player who is guaranteed to display tricks and score goals.

Nesley Jean – Defender

Considered one of the best defenders, Nesley is a regular on the Bahamas national team and a skilful player.

Dwayne “Smokey” Forbes – Defender

Known for his quiet and reserved demeanour off the pitch, Smokey is the complete opposite on the sand where he displays aggressive defensive skills.

Daron Beneby –

Defender

Daron is an experienced beach soccer player with great knowledge of the game and strong defending tactics.

Lesly St Fleur – Forward

With his speed, strength and skill, Lesly is a goal scoring machine and a crowd favourite.

Gavin Christie – Forward

and Team Captain

Serving as team captain for the past 7 years, Gavin is known for his goal scoring and impressive bicycle kick.

Ivan “Boogie” Rolle – Goalkeeper

With his height and impressive wingspan, Ivan is known as a shot stopper with a powerful throw.

Now that the final 12 players have been selected, head coach Alexandre Soares and assistant coach Stephen Bellot will focus on final preparations for the tournament.

Jason McDowall, BFA vice president and team manager, said he is pleased with the team but it was difficult to hit the submit button when sending the final list to FIFA.

“The coach had a tough decision selecting the 12 members who will represent the country in the biggest beach soccer showcase in the world. We have 22 talented and dedicated players on the squad who are all capable of playing in this tournament, but we could only go with our top 12 players. It was not easy,” said McDowall.

Gavin Christie, the team captain, says the team’s chemistry is excellent and with a world-renowned coach like Soares, they are expecting great results. Soares led the Brazilian team to victory in four consecutive FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup tournaments from 2006 to 2009.

“The team is excited to compete at the highest level and play against the best in the world. We are focused and eager to step on the sand in a few days for the opening game. We are confident that the team will have its best showing yet and we will show the world that a little country like the Bahamas can compete on a global stage,” Christie said.

The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 is all set for April 27 to May 7. The Bahamas faces Switzerland on opening night - April 27. The team will play against Senegal on Saturday, April 29 and Ecuador on Monday, May 1. The first and second place finishers from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, which will take place on Thursday, May 4.