Saint Lucia’s men’s national football team aim to revive their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with two challenging away matches in the coming days. The Piton Boyz arrived in Curaçao on Tuesday for a clash against the hosts this Friday, followed by a meeting with Barbados next Wednesday.
Currently third in Group C, Saint Lucia must secure victories in both games to advance to the third round of qualifying – a tough task without home advantage. Curaçao, coached by former Netherlands and Chelsea manager Dick Advocaat, boast several players from the Dutch Eredivisie. Under head coach Stern John, Saint Lucia face an uphill battle to claim three points on Friday at Stadion Ergilio Hato.
Their final Group C fixture, against the Barbados Tridents, will also be held in Willemstad. Originally scheduled as a home game, the match was relocated after the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, Saint Lucia’s only FIFA-certified venue, became unavailable.
Last June, Saint Lucia suffered a 2-1 defeat to Haiti before battling to a 2-2 draw with Aruba. Haiti and Curaçao currently lead the race to remain in contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Saint Lucia have split their last two encounters with Curaçao, who sit inside FIFA’s top 100 rankings. A hard-fought 2-1 victory in the Concacaf Nations League last September, courtesy of goals from Arkell Jude-Boyd and Caniggia Elva, offered hope, but their CNL campaign faltered with three consecutive losses after an initial trio of wins. Curaçao later overpowered the Boyz 4-1 to top their League B group.
After an injury-plagued end to their CNL run, John will rely on a fully fit squad. Captain Terell Thomas, a Carlisle United centre-back, returns alongside England-based duo Jude-Boyd of Cheltenham Town and Joshua Solomon-Davies.
The squad also features Jamaica Professional League standouts, including back-to-back JPL title-winning goalkeeper Vino Barclett of Cavalier SC) and defenders Alvinus Myers of Portmore), and Mount Pleasant FA’s Melvin Doxilly.
Saviola Elva could make his competitive debut, joining his older brother and fellow forward Caniggia Elva from Cavalry FC in Canada in the national team. Their father, Titus “Titi” Elva, was a prolific striker in the early 2000s.
The attack is bolstered by returning duo Kegan Caull of Villena CF, Spain and 33-year-old Gros Islet forward Troy Greenidge, back after nearly a decade away. Donavan Jn Baptiste (El Ninos FC) and Aaron Richard will also aim to contribute goals.
Veteran defender Kurt Frederick and England-based newcomer Ryan Remi of Frenford FC strengthen the backline. Midfielder Bayan Aman, fresh off his first professional season, joins Shaquan Nelson, Ryan Charles, and home-based talents Hemaiael Charlery, Leaus Henville, Trent Alexander and Mervin St Romain.
Goalkeeper Darren Donaie (Jamaica) and Saint Lucia Semi-Pro Football League winner Devone St Prix provide backup to Barclett.
Head coach Stern John is supported by assistants Francis Lastic and Nikki Morgan, goalkeeper coach Bernard President, strength and conditioning coach Sabbatus Hunte, massage therapist Eligah Joseph, and team physician Dr Natasha Innocent. Lewis Olounghlin handles video analysis, Julius Casimir serves as equipment manager, Shayne Paul is team manager and Valdez James heads the delegation.
I don understand why the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground is not available for such an important game ???