Arnett Gardens FC ready for CFU Club Championship

Coach of reigning Red Stripe Premier League champions Arnett Gardens FC, Jerome Waite, says his team is ready for the challenge in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Championships in order to move on to the CONCACAF stage.

Arnett will depart the island next Sunday for the Dominican Republic where they will participate in Group Four alongside Atletico Pantoja of Dominican Republic, America des Cayes (Haiti) and Notch (Suriname).

Waite is already looking forward to the CONCACAF stage, where the club has participated in the past.

"Well, first and foremost, we have participated in the CONCACAF round twice, but have not passed the quarter-final stage. Our aim is to win the CFU group stage and qualify for the semi-finals, then be among the top three that will advance to the CONCACAF," Waite told The Gleaner.

"I'm pretty much confident based on our performance in the local Red Stripe Premier League, where the team has done well," the veteran coach shared.

He admitted that he did not know much about the opponents, but he remains optimistic.

GIVE THEIR BEST

"A lot of the players have not played at this level, but they should give of their best, as doors can be opened for them. We don't have any info on the teams, but they will know about us, as the Premier League is broadcast in the Caribbean," he informed.

Waite is yet to name his 20-man squad for the tournament, but disclosed that players such as captain Oneil 'Bigga' Thompson, Renae Lloyd, Marvin Morgan, Kemal Malcolm, Jason Moore, Vishinul Harris, Dicoy Williams, Ranike Anderson, Damion Hyatt, Peter Harrison, Keneil Hyde will be included.

Arnett will play against America des Cayes on March 2, Notch on March 3, and Atletico Pantoja on March 5. All games will be at Estadio OlÌmpico FÈlix S·nchez in Santo Domingo.

The 14 teams are divided into four groups, and the winners will advance to the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Montego Bay United, the other Jamaican club that has qualified, will participate in Group Three alongside Central of Trinidad and Tobago and Scholars International of the Cayman Islands.