The Significance of the Caribbean Cup

ZIZ News — Local and regional football officials have underscored the importance of the Caribbean Football Union Men’s Caribbean Cup Tournament later this week.

During a press conference held on Tuesday, General Secretary of the CFU, Damian Hughes, told the media that this is a significant opportunity for the regional players as the winners will be playing teams from all across South America.

“The winner of this tournament actually gets a direct berth into Copa America Centenario which is the hundredth anniversary of Copa America. What that means is that the winner of this tournament will get to play against every single team from South America. That includes Brazil; that includes Argentina, the big heavyweights and so the team that emerges on top from this tournament will be guaranteed to play in that tournament in the United States in 2016,” he said.

The officials have been dubbing the event “The World Cup of Caribbean Football”.

President of The St. Kitts-Nevis Football Association, Anthony Johnson said it is crucial that everyone goes out to support the teams.

”It’s important that our players be given the necessary support because this is really our World Cup. But more importantly it offers the opportunity for our players to go further. To go on to the Gold Cup. To go on to Copa America. This is the starting ground,” he said.

Teams from Guyana, St. Lucia and Dominica are in the Federation ready for the matches, which kick-off on Wednesday.