PUERTO PRÍNCIPE – The Haitian national team has faced numerous obstacles on their journey to the Women’s World Cup. They lack sponsors, their training facility has been closed due to gang violence, and some of their supporters can’t even afford a television. Despite these challenges, Haiti’s women’s team has qualified for the World Cup and is determined to make their mark. Their historic victory over Chile in the playoffs secured their spot in the tournament, bringing joy to a country struggling with poverty, violence, and political instability. Melchie «Corventina» Dumornay, a midfielder playing in France, scored two goals in that important victory, showcasing her talent to the world.
For the first time in half a century, a Haitian team will compete in a World Cup. The last time was in 1974 when the men’s team participated in the tournament held in West Germany. Emmanuel Jean, who coached several players on the current women’s team when they were young, including captain Nérilia Mondésir and Dumornay, used to run a football academy in Croix-des-Bouquets. However, due to the increase in homicides and kidnappings in the area, the academy had to be closed. To continue playing, the women had to travel to neighboring Dominican Republic for their games.
Despite the limited resources, the Haitian team remains resilient. They train once a week on a small pitch provided by the country’s main private school. The team relies on donated equipment and uniforms, and the school provides snacks after training sessions. The program aims to keep children away from gangs and also discover new talents. James Louis-Charles, the director of physical education at Union School, opens their field on Saturdays for the program. Initially expecting 25 boys to join, they now have nearly 50 participants, mostly from nearby impoverished neighborhoods.
Football is a common sight in Haiti, but street games have decreased due to gang violence. Rarely do girls get the opportunity to play, and this is something Louis-Charles is trying to change. Alanda Dorval, a 15-year-old forward, is one of the few exceptions. She loves scoring goals and plays on the street when she can’t train at the Union School. Dorval and her teammate, 13-year-old Dor Neika, dream of becoming professional players and follow the national team closely. They aspire to be like their favorite players, including Dumornay and Brazilian forward Vinicius, despite the challenges they face.
As the Women’s World Cup approaches, Haitian fans like Sheila Privert, who runs a local organization for children with physical disabilities, are eager to support the team. However, she often has no electricity at home, so she will rely on her phone to watch the matches. Privert has faith in the team’s growth and hopes that they will continue to inspire young girls in the country. The national team also believes in their abilities and their strong bond as a team. They are determined to give their all on the field and showcase their warrior spirit.
Fuente de TenemosNoticias.com: www.vozdeamerica.com
Publicado el: 2023-06-30 17:25:50
En la sección: América Latina – Voice of America