Congratulations Spice Boyz

by Michael Bascombe

It came as no surprise to many that the July 1st, 2009 edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking has put Grenada among the top three football nations in the region.

It's best ever ranking of 88th on the list of competing nations has been welcomed by all football-loving fans.

The hard work of the players, coaches and administrators must be commended for their perseverance and dedication despite the challenges they faced, especially with scarce resources. Anthony “Nixon” Modeste must also be commended for his leadership as coach and captain of the national team during the qualification process.

About a week ago the President of the Grenada Football Association (GFA), Ashley "Ram" Folkes informed me that the predictions are that Grenada will dip into the top 100 and from calculations 88 is the likely number.

There was no need to debate this revelation since the source of the information has been quite accurate in his previous calculations.

What this means for a country with about 100,000 people? Our national footballers would now have an opportunity to make it to the bigger leagues, including the English Premier League.

It also means that in a World Cup qualifying year, that some of the top teams in the world would engage our national team in international friendlies.

It also means that the Grenadian public could look forward to an influx of international football games in Grenada.

It also means that the GFA would need the support of all stakeholders in this very important turning point for football and sports in Grenada.

It also means that Coach Tommy Taylor could push ahead with his plans for a football academy.

This is a time for all hands on deck to assist football. We should not allow this opportunity to slip us.

It may also be in the best interest of football that all Council and Executive Members to call a truce and return to the "table" to discuss the DEVELOPMENT OF FOOTBALL IN GRENADA.

Our national footballers are now preparing to participate in the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States. Grenada is the smallest nation ever to qualify for the Gold Cup. It was no easy qualification for the Spice Boyz who lost to Jamaica 2-0 in the final of the Digicel Caribbean Cup late last year.

Their biggest task in the Gold Cup Tournament will be the defending champions and hosts, the United States in their opening group game on July 4th at Qwest Field in Seattle.

I don't expect many Grenadians to make the trip to the Northwest but subsequent games in Washington, DC on July 8th and Boston on July 11th could see hundreds of nationals journeying to these venues to support the national team.

The next FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking will be published on August 5 and there are indications that this tiny island nation with a population of about 100, 000 could move into the top 70 position.

Good Luck Team Grenada!