Vesta-player Richinelo Francisca in CFU All Star U-19 for Copa Rayados

A 19-member Caribbean Football Union (CFU) All-Star U19 team contested in the November 25-29, 2015 Copa Rayados – a tournament and scouting initiative – in San Antonio, Texas. The aim was to bring in such exemplars of talent that scouts will be drawn to the region, Head Coach Lenny Lake said. This is the first time the CFU has participated in an event requiring a combined team, and General Secretary Neil Cochrane said the benefits to be derived make the efforts worth the while. “This is an opportunity for young players from the region to match their skills against their international peers, and it also gives them a chance to be seen by colleges and pro-scouts. The benefits of such an event cannot be gainsaid.”

Curacao was represented in the team with the young Vesta-player Richinelo Francisca. The All-Star team comprised of Jacob Bordon and Raejac Joseph, USVI; G. Vaune Amory, Tahir Hanley, Yohnaanes Battice, Malik Liburd, and Yusuf Saunders, St. Kitts and Nevis; Andrez Joseph, and Fitz Jolly, Dominica; Germain Hughes, Anguilla; Javorn Stevens, Shavorn Phillip and Rodre Hunte, Antigua and Barbuda; Alberto Santiago and Dennis Beltre, Puerto Rico; Richinelo Francisca, Curacao; and Jabulani Lindsay, Jahwahni Hinds, and Tajae Brown, Jamaica.

Francisca with some of the team members

The Caribbean Football Union All-Star U19 team’s aim of representing the region well enough to make people take note was seemingly met even as inclement weather caused an abrupt end to the 2015 Copa Rayados tournament. The tournament was suspended after poor weather conditions on Friday and equally poor forecasts, with the organizers saying though unfortunate, the safety of the players was paramount hence the decision.

Up to that point, the CFU All-Stars had notched up two wins from two matches. They beat RSA Rayados 4-3 in the opener and Puma FC 3-1 a day later.

The organizers awarded the combined regional side the winning medals, having adjudged them the most outstanding team in their division. Playing in a friendly against GRAF FC from Ecuador on astro turf on Sunday, the All-Stars were 5-1 victors.

Francisca at Hato Airport with Vesta President Eric Fraai