As the CONCACAF Nations League prepares to kick off its latest edition, the Barbados Men’s National Football Team, nicknamed the Bajan Tridents, has finalized its 24-player roster and is counting down to departure for their opening Group B fixture. The full squad, which includes both domestic-based players and those plying their trade overseas, has completed all pre-tournament preparations in Barbados and is scheduled to travel on Wednesday to face off against first opponents Saint Lucia.
The opening match between the Tridents and Saint Lucia will take place this Friday at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, with a second group stage fixture against Bermuda booked for the same venue on September 28. Following the two away games, Barbados will return home to host Bermuda in consecutive matches at the BFA Technical Centre in Wildey, set for October 2 and 5. For the Tridents, this Nations League campaign represents a critical opportunity to establish themselves as a competitive force in the Caribbean sub-region.
Speaking to reporters during a Tuesday training session at the BFA Technical Centre, head coach Kent Hall shared that the squad has gelled smoothly in camp, with all overseas-based players now arrived and fully integrated. Hall, who struck an optimistic tone ahead of the team’s opening fixtures, noted that the entire group is in high spirits as they put the finishing touches on their game plan. “Everyone’s in good spirits, and the guys are now reconnecting, so we’re really excited about getting out there and polishing up a little bit, but yeah, so far so good,” Hall commented.
Hall also acknowledged the challenge that awaits his side in the opening match, recalling that Saint Lucia claimed victory in the most recent meeting between the two national sides. The head coach highlighted Saint Lucia’s signature playing style, noting that “Most St Lucian sides that I’ve seen, they tend to be full of running and they always bring a pretty physical game, so we expect that. That’s the nature of senior football so we’re ready for that.”
Team captain Andre Applewaithe, one of the Tridents’ US-based players, shares the coaching staff’s excitement ahead of the opening doubleheader. Applewaithe, who plies his trade for CT United, noted that cohesion within the camp has been strong, with players building chemistry quickly ahead of Friday’s clash. “The guys are communicating well with one another, gelling well in the camp, and we’re just preparing for the first game at hand against Saint Lucia,” the captain explained.
Applewaithe also pointed to the fresh energy this squad brings, highlighting the number of uncapped players earning their first call-ups to the senior side. “This squad has a lot of new faces, a lot of players getting their first cap, so it’ll be exciting as they mix with the other guys who are coming back and are ready to give their all to represent Barbados as well,” he added. The captain emphasized that the team is not focused on past results against Group B opponents, instead approaching this tournament with a reset mindset. “Yeah, it’s going to be a different mindset, as I said, it’s a new campaign so everything is fresh and what has passed has passed. We’re just looking forward to do the best we can against some very good sides,” Applewaithe said.
One of the team’s most in-form players heading into the tournament is winger Thierry Gale, who currently lines up for English Championship side Bolton Wanderers. Gale has turned heads with his consistent goalscoring form in one of Europe’s most competitive second-tier leagues, and the winger says he is keen to carry that momentum over into international duty. “I mean, life in the championship is good, as you can see. I’m enjoying it and just want to keep scoring more goals and making everybody happier,” Gale said during Tuesday’s training session.
The winger laid out his clear personal and team objectives for the opening matches, stating that he hopes to find the back of the net in each fixture while helping Barbados secure positive results. Now a veteran presence in the national set-up, Gale says his core motivation has not changed since he first earned a call-up. “My ambition was always to play with the national team and always to get Barbados as far as I could. I am still the same person, and still humble,” he added.
With preparations wrapping up and travel imminent, all eyes are on the Tridents as they look to get their Nations League campaign off to a winning start in Saint Lucia on Friday.