THE CANADIAN PRESS
KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent — Despite being seen as ranked outsiders in their CONCACAF 2010 pre-World Cup Qualifier against Canada, head coach Stewart John-Hall is unfazed about challenges facing his St. Vincent & the Grenadines team.
John-Hall, an Englishman who took up duties as Technical Director a mere four months ago for the Vincy Heat, replaces Serbian Zoran Vranes who was in charge of the country’s soccer program from 2004 until October 2007.
John-Hall says he respects the Canucks as favourites, but believes his team of amateurs can create a major upset.
"I think when you try to impose your opponents on the players’ mind, especially in cases when that opponent is seen as the superior unit, it tends to have a negative effect on the players state of mind and they are beaten before they even enter the field," he said.
SVG’s mercurial midfielder, Kendal Velox, who was asked to reconsider his retirements plans, is looking forward to Sunday’s clash.
The 35-year-old who led Caledonia AIA to the Trinidad and Tobago Pro-League title in May is confident that Vincy Heat can beat the more highly fancied Canadians.
"We are playing at home and in conditions, which are familiar to us and because of this, regardless of how much talent and experience their team has, these advantages mean a lot in sport," the diminutive Velox said.
Ace central defender Corneilus Huggins, who captains Malaysia triple-crowned champions, Kedah FC, is also undaunted by the Canucks’ ability and reputation.
"Once we stick to our game plan and support each other on the field we are capable of beating any team," Huggins said.
"And on Sunday we are not going to roll over."
The SVG team will be looking to burly and hard-tackling defender, Wesley Charles, who plays for Galway United in the Republic of Ireland, and veteran goaltender Melvin Andrews who, at 34-years-old, has stood in 144 matches.
Hard-kicking and speedy Marlon James, who got the Golden Boots in the Malaysian when he led Kedah FC to the Super League title, will look to penetrate the Canadian’s defence along with Shandel Samuel.
The Vincentians, though, will be missing utility player Wesley John who is with Portuguese second division Felgueiras.
On Saturday morning, the Canucks conducted their training session at the match venue and were clearly affected by the heat, as many players could be seen wearing protective cream and using lotion.
Coach Mitchell admitted that the sun was of some concern to his players since they are not accustomed to this type of heat.
"We trained in Florida in order to familiarize ourselves with such conditions, but here the sun is much more intense and we took some precaution in having the players use some cream and other such recommended skin protection," Mitchell said.
Mitchell said there were no fitness concerns even though on Friday Julian De Guzman could be seen with heavy strapping and receiving ice treatment for what looked like a foot injury of some sort.
Sunday’s match will be the second meeting ever between the two countries following the Canucks 2-0 victory at the Arnos Vale Playing Field in the early 1980’s.