The Bermuda football team’s 19-man squad for their friendly match against Cuba in Havana next week is made up of fringe and overseas-based players

The game will serve as a warm-up game for Bermuda’s final Concacaf Nations League qualifier against the Dominican Republic in Santo Domingo next month, as they look to reach the Gold Cup.

Professionals Nahki Wells, Reggie Lambe, Danté Leverock, Jonté Smith and Willie Clemons have not been included as the match does not fall in an international window.

Kacy Milan Butterfield, who signed an 18-month contract at English non-League side Kidderminster Harriers last week, has been named in the travelling party.

Opportunities have also been given to youngsters Jahkari Furbert, Keishon Bean, Chikosi Basden, Paul Douglas, Rahzir Smith-Jones, London Steede-Jackson and Ashton Bell who are in school overseas.

“When you look at the squad there are a couple of spots available,” Kyle Lightbourne, the Bermuda coach, said.

“We want them to show they have the ability and want to make that step up. We have some key areas we need to address with Tre [Ming] not available for the next match.”

Ming, the PHC Zebras midfielder, is serving a one-game suspension, but the league champions have both Cecoy Robinson and Daren Usher in the squad, which departs on Saturday.

Bermuda will possibly play a warm-up match behind closed doors before next Wednesday’s game against Cuba at the Pedro Marrero Stadium at 3pm Bermuda time.

Robinson will be handed the captain’s duties. “Cecoy can fill a couple of different positions; he can play attacking midfield, out wide or through the centre,” Lightbourne said.

Lightbourne is looking to play Basden as a full back, an area of some concern. “One area, if I’m brutally honest, that we’re not totally happy with is the full back positions,” he said.

“This is also an opportunity for Liam Evans, who has been in and around the squad without having a good opportunity. More than half the squad is based overseas. Ashton Bell is in school in England and we will get an opportunity to look at him at either full back or centre half”

Tomiko Goater, the Robin Hood forward, is also included in the squad, along with team-mates Jaylon Bather, Dale Eve, Lejaun Simmons and Evans.

SQUAD

Dale Eve, Jahquil Hill, William White, Jaylon Bather, Cecoy Robinson, Osagi Bascome, Lejaun Simmons, Daren Usher, London Steede-Jackson, Liam Evans, Tomiko Goater, Jahkari Furbert, Keishon Bean, Chikosi Basden, Paul Douglas, Rahzir Smith-Jones, Kacy Milan Butterfield, Ashton Bell. Officials: Kyle Lightbourne, head coach, Ray Jones, assistant coach, John Moreira, goalkeeper coach, Martin Wolffe, sports psychologist, Craig Brown, physio), Brendalee White, team manager, Crenstant Williams, head of delegation).