Team St. Maarten played three games so far in the two-week Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Football Concacaf Nations League window. They lost against all League B Group D opponents home team Belize 0-1, French Guiana 0-1 and St. Vincent and the Grenadines 2-4.
There is certainly no shame in these results, especially considering that the other countries have bigger and more consistent domestic club competitions, as well as better facilities for training etcetera. Speaking of which, St. Maarten is reportedly still unable to host international matches because Raoul Illidge Sports Complex (RISC) does not meet FIFA criteria.
The pitch was renewed two years ago and proper floodlights have replaced temporary ones used after extensive damage caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017. However, apparently more work on the stadium is needed.
Curacao’s “Blue Wave” by reaching last summer’s FIFA World Cup showed how far a small island can go. Investments made in accommodations but also involving players with local roots from overseas professional leagues paid off.
The squad of veteran Dutch coach Dick Advocaat is proving this was not a one-time success, since they won their current Concacaf League A matches against Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Trinidad & Tobago.
Being able to play under familiar circumstances in front of a home crowd is obviously crucial for developing Team St. Maarten further. RISC must be upgraded to meet global standards at a competitive level sooner rather than later.
