Cavalier SC head coach Rudolph Speid has expressed confidence ahead of the second leg of his side’s CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 tie against Inter Miami CF at the National Stadium in Kingston on Thursday.
The reigning Jamaica Premier League and CONCACAF Caribbean Cup champions put forth a valiant effort in the first leg last Thursday before ultimately suffering a 2-0 defeat to an Inter Miami side that was missing Lionel Messi.
Speid, speaking at a press conference on Monday, expressed confidence in his side’s ability to rebound from their first leg defeat in front of their home crowd.
“I can assure you that we will put on a show on Thursday. We know what we have to do, we have to score the first goal and try to do it as quick as possible. That doesn’t mean that if we don’t get it in the first half, that’s the end. We know how hard it’s going to be to attack that much and keep a clean sheet,” he said.
Speid also spoke on the prospect of facing Lionel Messi at the National Stadium.
“We carried Pele here in 1971 and we also carried Chelsea so we’re just continuing the line of tradition,” he said.
“We always wanted to put up a good performance in Miami so that the great one would have to come here to ensure that they progress from the tie and I think it has worked. I think they believe it will be a difficult game,” Speid added.
Also, at Monday’s press conference, Cavalier announced partnerships with Wisynco, Red Stripe, the Jamaica Tourist Board and the Sports Development Foundation to assist in the hosting of one of the biggest club games to ever take place in Jamaica.
“This game shows the importance and growth of the Jamaica Premier League and the clubs within the Jamaica Premier League, and specifically Cavalier Soccer Club over the last four to five years,” said Cavalier chairman Ryan Foster.
“Despite coming out of a pandemic, Cavalier has risen above the ashes and are now on the trajectory of growth,” he added.
Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, Donovan White, was also on hand and outlined the importance of the partnership for both Cavalier and Jamaica as a whole.
“This collaboration represents far more than a mere business arrangement. It embodies our shared vision of showcasing the very best of our local football talent in Jamaica, both on and off the pitch,” he said.
“Cavalier SC has been a great ambassador for our region carrying the spirit of Jamaica and the Caribbean wherever they play. Their dedication to excellence mirrors our own commitment to providing world class experiences for visitors to Jamaica,” he added.
He continued: “Sports tourism generates a significant economic impact worldwide. Fans travel not just for 90 minutes of action on the pitch, but for the complete experience of a destination. They stay in out hotels, dine in our restaurants, visit our attractions and return home as ambassadors, sending many more to visit after their stay in Jamaica.”
Wisynco, through their brands Wata and Powerade, will provide refreshment on Thursday as well as treating fans to snack bags while Red Stripe will be the official beer sponsor for the game.
“This is such a culmination of hard work from a lot of people to get here and pull off this match on short notice. Wisynco was pleased to answer the call and support and, hopefully, our players will be well hydrated, well rested and ready to take on the moment,” said Wisynco Group head of consumer marketing, Erin Mitchell.
“At Red Stripe we’re proud to be a long-standing supporter of all things Jamaican including athletes and teams across various sporting activities. Undoubtedly, we’re excited to be a part of this match on Thursday,” said Red Stripe brand manager Nathan Nelms.