THE Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) are aware of Guyana’s potential in football, and will not take them lightly when the two teams clash in the 2019/2020 CONCACAF Nations League Qualifiers next month.

Head coach of the TCI Matt Barnes, told the Guyana Chronicle that he expects Guyana to be very good although they will play away from home on October 13.

“We have another tough draw in Guyana. I expect them to be very good – they are ranked extremely close to Cuba in the international rankings.”

In the latest FIFA rankings, Cuba are at 179, Guyana are 182 and TCI are at the bottom at 210.

TCI are now rebuilding their team.

In their first clash against Cuba on September 8, TCI went down 11-0—their worst international defeat to date. The side played with a second string keeper and were without their best player, Billy Forbes. Forbes, who plays for the Phoenix Rising FC in the US, is yet to confirm his participation for the rest of the league.

Without Forbes, TCI are limited in striking. He makes up a solid line of attack with current captain Marco Fenelus, who plays in the Taiwan Football League.

Barnes, a US College coach, said that he is focused on developing the team and not on a result.

“Everyone is excited that we are hosting our first Nations League match. We will focus on improving our overall fitness level and layer in more ideas tactically. I am hoping we expand our player pool this month as well. I expect some new faces in the mix.”

Guyana drew with Barbados 2-2 in their first clash of the tournament at the National Track and Field Centre in Leonora early this month.