Barbados (pictured) will host Guyana in an international friendly on February 1, 2015. (Photo: Yonel Louis)
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados -- Barbados Football Association (BFA) technical technical director Marcos Falopa is looking forward to seeing what the men’s national team has to offer when it hosts Guyana in an international friendly on Sunday at the Barbados National Stadium.
The experienced coach told CONCACAF.com that his team would consist predominantly of under-23 players due to the unavailability of most overseas-based competitors.
“This will be a very important game for us to see our youngsters playing against a good team in the Caribbean, Guyana,” said Falopa. “We know it will be a very hard match because they are playing with their full squad I heard and they are well prepared.”
Falopa added that the encounter is important for numerous reasons, including the fact that Barbados is preparing for qualification in both the 2016 Olympic Football Tournament and the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018.
The squad has been preparing for more than two weeks with an emphasis on the technical and tactical areas, as well as improving fitness levels.
“I think this will be a good match to assess the team and to see where we are in terms of getting better going forward,” Falopa remarked. “The boys are working very good so far and you know Barbados is not a top team in the Caribbean, but will become one of the top teams, but I will need more time to work with them.”
Falopa complimented BFA President Randy Harris and his executive for their support.
“We know it is difficult for them, but we adapt very well and are very proud to work with them,” he finished.
Barbados has not played since falling to Haiti, 4-2, in a Caribbean Cup encounter on October 10, 2014.
