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Digicel Caribbean Championship finals

Nov 26, 2008 Sports

Will the traditional powerhouses prevail

Haiti are defending champs

By Franklin Wilson
The battle for bragging rights as the top team in the Caribbean begins next Wednesday when the final of the 2008 Digicel Caribbean Championships (DCC) kicks off in Reggae Island, Jamaica.

This is the first time Jamaica will be playing host to the DCC finals since Digicel commenced their partnership with the Caribbean Football Union (CFU), four years ago. They last hosted the regional finals in 1995 when they teamed up with the Cayman Islands.

Added incentive, apart from the winners’ prize of US $120,000, is the fact that the teams reaching the semi-finals will all qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup.  But will the traditional powerhouses prevail at these finals, only time will tell.

Defending champions Haiti who stunned host Trinidad and Tobago in the last final are intent on retaining their title.   Their preparations have been ongoing quietly and while Haiti has been ravaged by hurricanes over the part months, the players are aiming for hurricane like performances against all opposition and eventual top honours.     

Jamaica, who were not present last time around having been knocked out in the first stage in their backyard have made it this time as the host country and the opposing teams will find a tough Reggae Boyz this time around.

At the last finals teams were placed into two groups of four with groups were named after two football greats from the Twin Island, Sedley Joseph and Bobby Sookram.

Reigning champs Haiti have found themselves in Group B along Guadeloupe and Cuba who were both present at the last finals, while Antigua & Barbuda will be making their debut at the DCC finals.

Group A features current regional powerhouse Trinidad and Tobago, host Jamaica, Grenada and Barbados.
The Bajans as well as the Trinis were present at the 2006/07 finals, Jamaica are making a return, while Barbados who hosted the 2005 competition, will be making their debut since the number of teams appearing at the finals have been increased to eight.

The countries which failed to make it back to the finals are Guyana, St. Vincent & The Grenadines and Martinique.

Trinidad, the only Caribbean team to make it to the final round of qualifying for the FIFA 2010 World Cup is hoping to use the DCC finals as warm up ahead of next February 11 clash against host El Salvador when final round qualification starts.

The lads from the Soca capital of the World are no strangers to regional championship games having reached the finals ten times, more than any other Caribbean nation and have won on eight occasions, also more than any other regional territory.   

Jamaica will be looking to restore lost pride after exiting the 2010 World Cup race. They have been six time finalists, winning the title three times.

Fans in Jamaica and those who intend to travel to the Island to support their respective countries are in for some exciting action with the top eight teams of the Caribbean facing off in one country.

The winner will receive US$120,000 while the losing finalist pockets US$70,000. Third and fourth places will attract $50,000 and US$30,000, respectively.

Trinidad will kick off the tournament against Grenada next Wednesday (December 3) in the first game of a double header. Hosts Jamaica and Barbados will meet in the main game.

The following day will see Guadeloupe matching skills with Cuba while defending champs Haiti oppose Antigua.

The top two teams emerging from the round robin competition will move on to the semi-finals.
Schedule for group stage of finals are as follows:
Group A
Dec. 3
Trinidad & Tobago v Grenada  
Jamaica v Barbados 
Dec. 5
Barbados v Trinidad & Tobago 
Jamaica v Grenada 
Dec. 7
Grenada v Barbados 
Jamaica v Trinidad & Tobago 
Group B
Dec. 4
Guadeloupe v Cuba 
Haiti v Antigua & Barbuda 
Dec. 6
Haiti v Guadeloupe 
Cuba v Antigua & Barbuda 
Dec. 8
Cuba v Haiti 
Antigua & Barbuda v Guadeloupe

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