Kovin Moodley, coach of Bermuda’s teams for the Central America and Caribbean Games hockey qualifiers is happy with the teams’ efforts in their preparation is expecting positive results at the five-day tournament.

Bermuda will host the qualifiers, which take place at the National Sports Centre from April 13 to 17 and will welcome teams from Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Guyana.

Moodley, a South African who was brought in just over a month ago to spearhead the programme and get the locals ready for the tournament, believes the teams have a strong opportunity to secure qualification and is confident their efforts in training will reflect on the turf.

“I am so proud of both the men and women for the amount of effort and sacrifice they have put in to our preparation,” Moodley told The Royal Gazette.

“We have really tried to compensate for the limited time with extra sessions in the week, alternative methods of coaching and prioritising the connections we have with each other.

“Despite the obstacles the men and women teams have achieved some tremendous things in a short space of time and I’m so excited for them to showcase that,” Moodley added.

Bermuda’s men’s team will open their campaign in the first match of the tournament tomorrow at 11am, when they play Puerto Rico. Jamaica is the other male team in the competition.

On the women’s side, Bermuda will come up against Puerto Rico, Guyana and Jamaica and will play their opening game against the latter on Thursday at 4pm.

Moodley lamented the limited time spent getting ready for the competition but believes that the teams will be competitive and is expecting the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on programmes across the region to play a part in how prepared all the teams are coming into the tournament.

“While we may not have been given the gift of time in preparation we have certainly compensated with effort and dedication. The passion and worth ethic has allowed us to cover a lot of ground as individuals, a team and a federation,” Moodley said.

“Change in any form is hard to accept. I’ve challenged players to step out of comfort zones and remodel ideas they may have held previously. The players have responded positively to the philosophy and reasoning behind the principles of play.

“I believe we will be ready to compete for qualification. Based on past tournaments Bermuda may be seen as underdogs but I believe we can compete with the teams attending the event.

“Covid-19 has been a big leveller and it will be interesting to see who can overcome their obstacles and persevere,” he said.

The coach says he is expecting the players to give a good account of themselves in front of their home fans and is encouraging Bermudians to show their support for the teams.

“I am most looking forward to the players standing in front of their home support and feeling that national pride.

“They have worked so hard in practice, the event will be a great opportunity for them to express themselves and inspire more people,” said Moodley.

“My message to the public is to get down to the NSC to support the teams. Home ground advantage could help the teams add the twelfth player. Hockey is a fast and exciting game and we know the supporters would love watching it played at the international level,” Moodley added.