National Under 17 captain Duane Mukette says his team is ready to take on the rest of Concacaf in two weeks time when they attempt to qualify for the 2011 Fifa Under 17 World Cup in Mexico. Mukette, of 1st Santa Rosa FC, and his teammates are in training at the Ato Boldon Stadium and will travel to face Barbados in a friendly on February 6. Their first match in the Concacaf Final round is against hosts Jamaica on February 13 and Guatemala two days later in Montego Bay. "It's a lot of hard work and dedicated but we're ready for the tournament. I think everyday we are getting stronger," Mukette said yesterday.
"We know Jamaica will play a physical game so we are working on being able to play them man to man and win our individual battles. And Guatemala brings a more Central America style which we are preparing for. All the players know how serious this challenge next month is but we are focusing on bring our best performance on the day," he said. Mukette added that he was aware of the success of the Anton Corneal-coached team in qualifying for the 2007 Fifa Under 17 World Cup in South Korea. They got there by way of a 1-0 win over hosts Jamaica through a goal by Kevin Molino.
"I can't remember the results but I know they did well and were able to qualify. Hopefully we can match that by qualifying and go on to do even better. I know it's not going to be an easy road but we're working hard everyday. We're talking everyday and the coaches have been working with us. All I want is for all of us as players to give it our best shot and represent the country well and hopefully make it to another World Cup," Mukette concluded.