“Victory isn’t defined by wins or losses. It is defined by effort. If you can truthfully say, ‘I did the best I could, I gave everything I had,’ then you’re a winner.” — Wolfgang Schadler
In less than 44 days the Antigua and Barbuda national football team, the Benna Boys, will compete in two qualifiers which will determine whether or not they advance to face even stiffer competition, as their bid to secure a spot in the FIFA World Cup scheduled for Brazil in 2014 continues.
For the first time in 38 years of attempts at the World Cup championships, Antigua and Barbuda has progressed to the third round of qualifiers in the CONCACAF zone, their greatest achievement thus far.
On June 8, 2012 they will play the United States in Tampa Florida and on June 12, they come up against Jamaica at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.
The Benna Boys is managed by Fernando “Nando” Abraham with head coach Tom Curtis who led the team to one of their most decisive wins on their road to Brazil 2014, with a 1-0 win against Haiti in a previous qualifying match up. Since that victory, support has been mounting for the Benna Boys. Various factions of society have already lent their financial and moral assistance to the team in order to help see them through to Brazil. According to the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) which owns the team, approximately $9 million is needed to make the second round of semifinals of the qualifiers possible.
Among those who have openly pledged their support is Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, who believes that the Benna boys has the ability to demonstrate to the world that Antigua has the ability to achieve. Other prominent sporting and governmental officials have also expressed confidence in the team’s capability to pull through.
As always, the Trade Winds Hotel is in full support of sports and youth on the island. Our Hotel recently hosted the Tottenham Hotspur International Football Development coaches Ryan Hines and Miles Leighton who were here conducting a football clinic in conjuction with St. Anthony’s Secondary School (read more here). Similarly, The Trade Winds Hotel will be cheering on the Benna Boys.
Coming to Antigua for the match against Jamaica and need accommodations? We invite you to stay with us at Trade Winds Hotel just 15 minutes away from the stadium. Opt for our 2 for 1 special with an automatic upgrade to a junior oceanview suite. Click here to book now or send us an email at info@twhantigua.com
(Celebration after goal score against Haiti)
