Netherlands Antilles get ready

This event follows the launching of the Digicel Caribbean Cup in Kingston, Jamaica earlier this month.

The four countries competing there comprise hosts Netherlands Antilles, Grenada, Guyana and Suriname.

The top two teams will advance to the second round in November leading up to the eight-team finals to be played in Trinidad and Tobago from late January.

Digicel announced in Curacao that they intend to make the 2006/2007 tournament the biggest ever and has several promotions planned.

The fans who attend matches are promised to enjoy Digicel handouts and football memorabilia; chances to win cash and prizes in promotional games and activities; enjoy a party-Carnival type atmosphere that will be developed by Digicel at each match; witness the dancing exploits of the Digi Girls and be part of the football beat.

Young children will also have a chance to be part of the tournament by becoming team mascots with the international teams for the day. Digicel Dutch Caribbean marketing manager Ciro Kroon said he was excited ahead of the matches.

“This will not just be a football match. We will organise a grand party in the stadium. We are looking for all kinds of ways in which we can unite the Caribbean. We are doing so with telecommunications, but we want to do it through sports as well,” Kroon said. “Football is a sport that is liked by everybody. Now’s the time to give the Caribbean island a chance. We have just seen the World Cup matches in which Trinidad and Tobago played.

“By organising more of these events we are promoting sports and provide a stimulus for players throughout the region who would like to represent the Caribbean during the next World Cup,” Kroon said.

Jean Francisca, President of the Netherlands Antilles Football Association said that his island will no doubt benefit from hosting the group.

“It is fantastic to welcome the Digicel Caribbean Cup to our country. With six matches to be played here, we are looking forward to a real festival of football with a rare opportunity for fans to enjoy international football on their doorstep and we look forward to welcoming big crowds for all the matches,” Francisca said.

Meanwhile, Cuba will also host one of the groups from September 2 to 5 and have confirmed their fixtures.

Fixtures for Cuba group

September 2: Bahamas vs Cayman 3 pm; Turks & Caicos vs Cuba 5.15 pm

September 4: Cayman vs Turks & Caicos 3 pm; Cuba vs Bahamas 5.15 pm

September 5: Turks & Caicos vs Bahamas 3 pm; Cuba vs Cayman 5.15 pm

Fixtures for Netherlands Antilles Group

(Matches to be played at International Stadium)

September 6: Suriname vs Guyana 7 pm; Netherlands Antilles vs Grenada 9 pm

September 8: Suriname vs Grenada 7 pm; N/Antilles vs Guyana 9 pm

September 10; Grenada vs Guyana 4 pm; N/Antilles vs Suriname 6 pm