The whole Independence week period was a glorious one for the sports community in the country. Early last week boxer Valentino Knowles, competing in the 64kg class at the final qualifying tournament for the 2011 Pan American Games, advanced. The Amateur Boxing Federation of The Bahamas (ABFB) will now be represented at the 16th Pan American Games later this year in Guadalajara, Mexico, October 14-30.
The little Bahamas captivated the world's attention once again in athletics, when representatives from the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) won four medals, three of them of the golden variety at the 7th International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) World Youth Championships in Lille, France.
A national golf team took part in the 24th Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships and placed fourth. On the world track and field circuit, elite Bahamians were steady as always. The high-level athletic prowess of The Bahamas is thus cemented from juniors to seniors.
While a multitude of sporting ambassadors were turning in thrilling performances abroad, at home the Independence celebrations were highlighted by the Bahamas Football Association's (BFA) men nationals.
On official Independence Day Eve, Saturday July 9, The Bahamas took on the Turks and Caicos Islands and the players were dazzling. The final score was 6-0 as The Bahamas advanced to the next round of World Cup Qualifiers in the CONCACAF region. Actually, if not for a few miraculous saves by Turks goalie Raymondson Azemard, at least four more balls off the feet of locals, would have found the back of the opponent's net.
Diminutive and tenacious striker Lesly St. Fleur who was a standout in the Canadian Soccer League last season, got five goals and assisted on another by midfielder Demont Mitchell. The 6-0 victory was proof that this current group of players indeed is a gifted one. The first of the two-match series against Turks went the way of the Bahamians, 4-0. On Saturday past, the Bahamian Nationals did not let up and they proved beyond any doubt that the away performance was not a fluke. The second round will be tougher no doubt. What was observed in our players at home against Turks and Caicos was a total game. They have it all.
On offense, St. Fleur and Nesley Jean who had two goals in the first match, are prime strikers. They lead a potent mix of players capable of negotiating the ball into the opposing goal.
It was the defense though that impressed me most. This is the area that has to hold strong the further you advance in soccer. Cameron Hepple, Mitchell, Raymorn Sturrup and Christopher Larson led a demonic defense for The Bahamas. Just a few times in the 90 minutes did Turks and Caicos enjoy a comfortable offensive flow. For about the entire match, the visitors were pressed and bothered.
Then, there was the quickness of goalie Raynaldo Sturrup that Turks and Caicos had to deal with. He demonstrated a knack for going to the ball. There is no fear in him. The road ahead will be tougher and he can expect much more action. He looks good though.
Defense has to be the focus for national coach Kevin Davies. We know how to score. We can score! Yet, the key to the next round and further on up the ladder will definitely be defense. For now though, a nation enjoys the coming of age of Bahamian soccer.
Hail to the Bahamian Soccer Nationals!
(To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at frobertsturrup@gmail.com)
clicke here to view some pictures of the game.
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