Vasco's squad may have drastically changed over the summer but Devonshire Colts, tomorrow night's opponents in the season-opening Charity Cup clash at BAA Field, won't be taking their rivals lightly.

The game gets underway at 8.00 p.m. and will see the Portugese club attempting to reverse last year's result when they were edged 3-2 by Boulevard in the same match -- stunned by a superb Dwight Warren decider 14 minutes into extra-time.

The exodus of quality players such as defenders Kentoine Jennings and Earl Richardson, midfielders Ottis Steede, Tafari Outerbridge and forward Raynel Lightbourne will be considered a huge loss for Vasco.

But there remain a number of quality players in their ranks who will likely punish any opponents who underestimate them.

Among the regulars who have remained are skipper/goalkeeper Timmy Figureido, defenders Meschach Wade, Sinclair Gibbons and Diallo Sharrieff, midfielder Dennis Robinson and forward Keith Jennings.

And among the new additions are brothers Albert, Clinton and Taur Caisey from Boulevard.

Vasco coach John Rebello feels the game will be a chance for some of his new acquisitions to prove themselves to both he and fellow coach Herbie Bascome.

But he admits the uncertainty surrounding the club's future in recent weeks has played havoc with Vasco's pre-season training and that could prove costly against the well-organised Colts.

"Colts have been training for the last three weeks and there is no way we will be able to compete with them over 90 minutes, so our tactics will have to be a little different,'' said Rebello.

"For us it would have been better if the season was starting three weeks later. But after the match we will have a two-week break, so that will give us a better chance to prepare for the season.

"Many things have happened beyond our control and we have lost some good players, but picked up some good ones too. And the attitude of the guys we have here now is just great.'' Colts' skipper Shannon Burgess stresses that their opponents will be anything but a soft touch this season.

"There is no doubt in my mind that Vasco will be a good team once again. They have some good players and as league champions I still see them as being the team to beat,'' said Burgess.

"We view the league campaign as being more important than anything, but even so, Sunday's game and the Martonmere Cup that follows are also being viewed by us as important games so that we can gauge our fitness level ... and because of pride we will be going out and trying to win all of them.'' One big plus for Colts already this season has been their success in persuading ambitious and talented young goalkeeper, Troy Hall, to remain after he originally considered returning to St. George's.

And in forward Keishon Smith they have a deadly striker whose fine form earned him a regular place in the senior national squad last season.

Colts have also been strengthened with the confirmation of David Furbert as head coach, with Ray Jones, who ran the team last season, and Darren Lewis acting as assistants.

The fact that Colts have managed to hold onto nearly all of their players from last season while adding quality to their coaching ranks has enabled them to enjoy one of their best pre-season build-ups in recent years.

But as Burgess and his team are well aware, Vasco will also be kicking off the new season with a point to prove.

Preceding tomorrow's main match will be the women's Charity Cup final between Rude Girls and PHC Teasers, at 6.00 p.m.

Keishon Smith: Colts' danger-man could trouble Vasco's defence in tomorrow's season-opening Charity Cup final at BAA Field.

Timmy Figureido: the Vasco skipper will again play a key role between the posts.

Charity Cup final kicks off new soccer season