Defence Force’s interim coach, Devorn Jorsling, emphasized the importance of securing a positive result in the first leg of the Concacaf Caribbean Cup third-place playoff against Cibao FC from the Dominican Republic. The match, scheduled for November 25 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, holds significant stakes, as the winner will secure a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. The Caribbean Cup finalists, Mount Pleasant Football Academy and Universidad O&M FC, have already qualified for the Champions Cup and will play their first leg on the same day. The return legs for both the third-place playoff and the final are set for December 2. Defence Force, coming off a 5-1 defeat against Mount Pleasant in the semifinals’ first leg, showed resilience by winning the second leg 1-0. Jorsling acknowledged the need for a strategic shift in their approach, stating, ‘We’re not going to park the bus, but the approach will be different.’ He reiterated the team’s primary goal of qualifying for the Concacaf Champions Cup, a target that remains achievable. Veteran defender Sheldon Bateau, who joined the team in September, highlighted the challenges of adapting to local football after a decade in Europe. He expressed his commitment to mentoring younger players and elevating the team’s performance. The 21-man squad includes notable players like Kevin Molino, Kevon Goddard, and Shaquille Bertrand, who will be crucial in their quest for victory.