BFA chief: Bermuda, your team needs you
Bermuda football fans have been urged to turn out in force for their country’s crunch World Cup qualifier against Trinidad at the National Sports Centre.Tomorrow’s ‘must-win’ match will be Bermuda’s first home international since 2008 when they lost 2-0 against Trinidad to end their previous qualifying campaign.More than 4,000 people packed the NSC to watch that gut-wrenching defeat and the Bermuda Football Association are hoping for another capacity crowd for tomorrow’s clash.“We need the stadium full for a number of reasons,” said BFA general secretary David Sabir.“World Cup games are being played all around the globe on Friday and we are part of that larger family.“Our national team players who are flying the flag with pride deserve –support from a country which claims to be sport crazy, particularly football crazy.“Now is the time to show our appreciation of young Bermuda people who are doing positive things.”Sabir admitted a bumper crowd would also bring in some much-needed revenue to the Association’s coffers, having had their annual grant slashed in the last Government Budget.“Having a presence in the international arena comes at a financial cost so we need the public to pay to see the matches and support the endeavours of our young people,” he said.“There is no question funding is an issue and we don’t have the level we once had.“We understand others are in the same position but for us to continue to advance the sport and give youngsters an opportunity to represent the country we need (to generate) finances.”Sabir has recommended for tickets to be purchased in advance to avoid disappointment after revealing sales had been “brisk” in the past few days.He also challenged Bermuda fans to drown out the Trinidad expats who were again expected to turn out in their droves to cheer on their beloved Soca Warriors.“We know Bermudians like to wait and see but when Trinidad last played here there was a last minute rush for tickets which resulted in some disappointment,” he said.“Ticket sales have been brisk and we would love to have a 4,000 full capacity crowd at the game,” he said.“We are certain the Bermuda public is going to respond accordingly and for that we are very appreciative.“Trinidad is a big nation and have played at the World Cup and I’m sure they will have plenty of their own supporters in the crowd.“In order to counteract that we need our people in the stands making sure any amount of noise the Trinidadians make can be offset by a chorus of our own cheers.”Tomorrow’s game kicks off at 8pm. Prices are as follows: Grandstand $25; general seating $15; children under-12 (general seating) $10, seniors (general seating $10).For more details on the BFA’s three-match package and VIP package visit their website at www.bermudafa.com