The excitement is building in the twin-island federation as the home team completes its preparations to take on Canada, at 8:00pm on Friday night, (11th November, 2011), at the Warner Park Stadium.
The game is being billed as a “must win” for the Kittitians/Nevisians, and according to the St. Kitts & Nevis Football Association, (SKNFA) President, Anthony Johnson, it is critical for all residents and nationals of the country to turn out in their thousands to support the local side.
Already, fans have been purchasing replica jerseys from the association, ahead of tomorrow’s encounter, and one SKNFA official has indicated that Friday has been declared “Wear Red Day”, when everyone is expected to attend the match in a red outfit, or colours of the national flag, to be part of the national choir of supporters who will be packing the stadium to cheer on their team, providing the much needed encouragement that would motivate the players to excel on the field of play.
Callers to some local radio stations have been joining the effort to get residents out to the game, which is priced at a reasonable cost of EC$30 for the stadium seating and EC$20.00 for the grounds.
A packed program of entertainment, featuring the Nu Vybes Band has been put in place for the enjoyment of the spectators and to help create the carnival type atmosphere that is expected on Friday.
On Thursday both teams were witnessed at Warner Park in the nets going through their final routines and getting better acquainted with the conditions for the match, especially since members of each squad have been recently playing in non tropical conditions, before joining their respective teams.
The Canadian coach said he was very respectful of the talents of the local side but it is his intension to make sure that St. Kitts & Nevis does not shine on game day, because a victory in Basseterre is crucial to the tone and approach for the returned leg in Toronto Canada on Tuesday 15th November.
The coach of the local side too has been very confident of victory, saying that given the blend of experience and youth in the side, mixed with the talents, it is very possible for St. Kitts & Nevis to record their first victory over the Canadians who rank 83 in the world, compared to our 109 ranking.