Central FC reliant on youth against Deportivo Arabe

It has been a challenging season for the current Pro League champions after losing a number of experienced players.

Among the players Central have lost are former captains Leston Paul, Darren Mitchell and national goalkeeper Jan Michael Williams. Central have been inconsistent this season in the Pro League, as they currently lie in fifth position.

It has not been a great week for TT teams in the competition, as Santos de Guapiles FC of Costa Rica defeated San Juan Jabloteh 6-2 in the first leg in Costa Rica on Tuesday.

Coach of Central FC Dale Saunders is optimistic that his young team can give a good account of themselves.

“We have a lot of young guys this season. We lost a number of experienced guys but I think the fellas have been doing a fantastic job, the coaching staff has been really trying to get the standard high with the young team,” Saunders said.

Saunders said it is an excellent chance for his team to play in this type of tournament.

“Going into these games it is a wonderful opportunity for these guys. Some of them at age 18, 19 years old lack experience.

However, I think they are eager for the task at hand and come (today) please God, we will give a good showing of ourselves going into this tournament.” Brent Sancho, managing director of Central FC said his club has been looking at their opponents online. Sancho said, “We have been able to watch our opponents via social media, so we have a fair idea what to expect (today). As mentioned by the coach we have a great deal of young players and this is a tremendous opportunity for them.” Saunders said he expects Deportivo to play with the typical Central American style. “I expect basic Central American style football.

TT has played Panama in the past so we understand that we will get a quick short passing game and a lot of energy. We are prepared for it, we have been working hard on the training ground.” Saunders, asked whether the current form of his team is a concern said, “As a coach you will always be concerned, because every tournament we enter as a club we will try to win games.

This season as I said before, there are a lot of young players, but the coaching staff has full confidence in the youngsters.

It is a great opportunity for the guys to take it with both hands and I think they will do fairly well.”