Confident U-17s fly out today

Jamaica Under-17 team will depart the island today to participate in Group Four of the Caribbean Football Union Qualifiers in the US Virgin Islands.

The young Reggae Boyz will play alongside hosts US Virgin Islands, Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda. Six groups will play in the qualifiers with the winners of each group advancing to the Caribbean Finals in Trinidad and Tobago, September 16-25.

Jamaica will face Guyana on Friday, then take on Antigua two days later, and conclude the group stage against US Virgin Island next Tuesday.

Coach of Jamaica's Under-17 team, Andrew Edwards, is oozing confidence ahead of the tournament.

"We started initial preparation in December. Then decided on a pool of 40 players. We worked with the players during weekend camps and selected the best 20 players," Edwards told STAR Sports yesterday.

Edwards said the lack of international practise games should not affect the team during the group stage.

"We have to be satisfied with the level of preparation. It wasn't ideal as we had no international practise game, but it won't be a setback at this stage," he added.

"We are confident we can win the group and advance to the finals, but we are not taking anything for granted," Edwards disclosed.

The team will led by Jeremy Verley of St George's College.

The squad: Daniel Russell, Kendall Edwards, Romario McPherson, Jeremy Verley, Jamoi Topay, Nickache Murray, Khaeem Parris, Cobi Atkinson, Raewin Senior, Renato Campbell, Omar Thompson, Kimani Gibbons, Tajay Griffiths, Thriston Briscoe, Jordan Peterkin, Blake White, Casseam Priestly, Damanai Osei, Calwayne Allen and Chad Letts.

- MS.