The heat is on in the Caribbean as 20 teams, including defending champions SV Robinhood, prepare to battle for regional glory in the revamped CFU Club Shield.
The tournament starts on July 25 in Willemstad, Curaçao, and runs until August 4.
Guyana Defence opens its campaign on July 26 against Grenades Football Club from 17:30h.
This year marks a significant change for the competition. Previously managed by Concacaf, the CFU has taken the reins, aiming to further elevate the tournament’s profile. While the core objective remains the same – qualifying two teams for the Concacaf Caribbean Cup – the format has undergone a significant shift.
Gone are the group stages. This year’s edition features a straight knockout format, meaning every match carries immense weight. The pressure is on from the very first whistle, demanding peak performance from all participating clubs, including Guyana’s Defence Force FC.
The competition boasts an expanded field compared to 2023, with five new teams joining the fray. This diverse group includes familiar faces like America FC (Haiti) and Arnett Gardens FC (Jamaica), along with newcomers like Metropolitan FC (Puerto Rico) and Guyana’s Defence Force.
Established in 2018, the CFU Club Shield plays a crucial role in developing professional football across the Caribbean. It provides a platform for semi-professional and top amateur teams to showcase their talent and compete for regional bragging rights.
Both CFU General Secretary Camara David and President Randolph Harris expressed optimism about the tournament’s potential. David emphasized the smooth transition from Concacaf to CFU and praised the cooperation with the Curaçao Football Federation.
Harris, meanwhile, reiterated the tournament’s importance in the Caribbean’s football development agenda. “The CFU Club Shield is a vital tool in professionalizing our regional game,” Harris stated. “By providing this platform, we create opportunities for players and contribute to the overall advancement of Caribbean football.”
With defending champions SV Robinhood aiming to repeat their historic double of 2023 (Club Shield and Caribbean Cup titles), the competition promises to be a thrilling showcase of Caribbean football. Fans can catch the action via live streams on the CFU’s official YouTube channel (“CFU Official”) and follow social media platforms for updates.
In addition to the defending champs SV Robinhood, the contenders are: America FC (Haiti); Arnett Gardens FC (Jamaica); AS Étoile De Matoury (French Guiana); AS Junior Stars (Sint Martin); B.A.Y.S FC (St. Lucia); CCCUL Dublanc FC (Dominica); Club Atlético Pantoja (Dominican Republic); CRKSV Jong Holland (Curaçao); Defence Force FC (Trinidad and Tobago); Grenades FC (Antigua and Barbuda); Guyana Defence Force FC (Guyana); Metropolitan FC (Puerto Rico); Paradise FC International (Grenada); RAMS Village Superstars FC (St. Kitts and Nevis); Scholars International SC (Cayman Islands); SCSA Eagles (St. Maarten); SV Racing Club Aruba (Aruba); SV Real Rincon (Bonaire); and SWA Sharks FC (Turks and Caicos Islands).
