Bermuda Hogges have given permission for players involved in the FA Cup final to play for their clubs – leaving them without a raft of leading cast members for their opening night of the season.

The Hogges hierarchy's move to take the decision out of the players' hands means key defenders Kevin Richards and Omar Shakir, as well as coach Kyle Lightbourne, will be absent from their curtain raiser against Charlotte Eagles on Saturday.

With the final between PHC and Dandy Town at the National Sports Centre (NSC) the following day, Hogges president Shaun Goater said it was only right that those players were allowed to feature in the final.

They had originally hoped to fly Lightbourne and the seven players involved from Charlotte, North Carolina, back to Bermuda on Sunday morning in time for kick-off, but Goater said that the plan had become unrealistic.

"Kyle (Lightbourne) and his PHC players, as well as the Dandy Town guys, will stay behind for the final," he said.

"We wanted to take the decision out of the players' hands and didn't want to make them choose between us and their clubs. Paul Scope and me will take care of the team affairs.

"It's only right because they've worked hard to get to the final and should have the opportunity to play. But if any player comes to us and says they want to play for the Hogges instead, then obviously we would allow them. I believe they will all play for their clubs and we wish them the best of luck."

Earlier this week Kevin Richards expressed his disappointment that the Bermuda Football Association (BFA) had allowed the domestic season to overlap with the USL-D2 campaign, thus allowing the fixture clash to occur.

Goater echoed Richards' sentiments, admitting the conflict surrounding the unforeseen extension of the domestic season had hindered their preparations.

"We're not as prepared as we would have liked to have been. We would have liked to have had the players to ourselves for longer than we have but it's been impossible because of their club commitments."

Rather than bemoan Hogges' depleted squad, Goater has promised the players who fill the void an opportunity to make the shirt their own for the following home game against Wilmington Hammerheads.

"The likes of Omar Shakir and Kevin Richards (pictured, left) will be a loss for us but those players who come in now have a chance to stake a claim for the jersey," he said. "If they play well then it's only right that they keep their place ¿ that's their motivation."

It is understood that Kwame Steede will be relieved of his captain's duties this season to allow the midfield schemer to concentrate on his game.

The leading candidates for the skipper's armband are believed to be Omar Shakir and Kevin Richards.

Striker Stevie Astwood and winger Damon Ming will continue as Hogges' franchise players for this season.

The Hogges take on Charlotte Eagles on Saturday at –8 pm (Bermuda time) at the Charlotte Christian School Stadium.