‘We’ll deal with pressure’

Bermuda national football coach Andrew Bascome says his players can cope with the pressure of an expectant home crowd during the Island Games.

Bascome, whose team face Falkland Islands, Froya, Greenland and Hitra, know anything less than gold will not satisfy a success-hungry Bermudian public. 

But he is confident his squad can rise to the occasion. The Bermuda squad was announced on Tuesday after months of training and competition for spots. 

Bascome is without Nahki Wells and Reggie Lambe — who remain with Bradford City and Toronto FC respectively — but told the Bermuda Sun: “We’re happy with our squad.

“They’ve been working hard and we have a balanced team. 

“I expect us to do well and put in a good account of ourselves and do our utmost to try to win.”

While playing at home in their own stadium and with their friends and families watching will be a treat for the players, they will also have to deal with the added pressure that comes from playing in front of the home crowd.

“The expectations will be high, so the players have to operate under a little bit of pressure, but I think that’s good,” Bacome said.

“The public demands a full amount of commitment, both on and off the pitch, so we can get a good result. The expectations are higher, the players will have to rise to the occasion, that’s all. That’s sports.”

Despite targeting a medal, Bascome admits he doesn’t know too much about the opposition.

He said: “I don’t know too much about the opposition, I haven’t seen them yet. I have no idea as to what they’re about, but we’re going to try to medal.  

“If the team puts in the hard work I’m sure we have a high possibility of getting a medal.”