Kevin Richards’ involvement in the Digicel Cup has divided a family. Richards’ father is Bermudian while his mother’s roots are strongly embedded in Barbados.

And tonight one side of the family will be pitted against the other as Bermuda take on Group G second-round hosts Barbados in a match where the stakes are high.

The 24-year-old PHC Zebras’ utility player, based overseas in England, celebrated his first birthday in Barbados and every other year enjoys a sun-filled Christmas on the charming Caribbean Island that never sleeps.

“I’ve had some family members come out to watch me play. They’ve been out to both matches so far and it has been good to have some family see me play down here,” Richards stated.

“Although they are to support me I think they are a little divided. However, I’m definitely not.” Like the rest of his team-mates Richards is confident Bermuda will rise to meet tonight’s challenge against Barbados.

In the event St. Vincent & the Grenadines win comfortably against minnows Bahamas, Bermuda will have to defeat Barbados at least by two-clear goals if they are to obtain one of the two automatic final berths up for grabs.

And in the worst case scenario Bahamas would have to upset St. Vincent during tonight’s opening Digicel contest at the National Stadium in Waterford, St. Michael’s and pip Bermuda on goal difference if they are to grab the third place play-off spot.

It has now been confirmed that the third-placed teams from the remaining Digicel Cup groups will square off against each other in a triangular play-off series in Trinidad and Tobago, starting on December 7.

The finals will also be held in Trinidad at the end of next January.

And Richards believes Bermuda’s chances of qualifying are as good as any other teams.

“This is a good opportunity for us to get through to the next round, although I think it will be a very close game,” he added.

He also admitted having to play three matches in five days has been a physically demanding experience.

“Last night’s game was very physical and I’m just trying to recover as quickly as possible for tomorrow night’s (today’s) game. This tournament has been very physically demanding because you only have one day to recover. And so you have to be as disciplined as possible to try and take care of yourself,” Richards stated.

“I’ve been in the swimming pool trying to get the legs back for the next game, and fortunately we haven’t picked up any red cards or serious injuries. So we should have a full squad for the final game.” Richards had a quiet game against St. Vincent, but came roaring back against Bahamas with his trademark darting forays down the flanks.

“Obviously my first responsibility is not to allow any goals, but hopefully I will have opportunities to get forward and overlap. So hopefully my fitness will show, especially in the second half going forward and exposing any gaps that open up,” he said.

So how confident is Richards? “We know we can beat them (Barbados) after watching both of their games, and I think they’re going to be a bit tired as well,” he said.

“I think the pressure is on both teams, because if they lose to us they can get knocked out depending on how the results go.

But it’s going to be tight between us, Barbados and St. Vincent because anyone can go through.”

As for his Bajan relatives who will be divided in the stands, Richards smiled: “I think they are cricket fans more than anything else. So I don’t think they will really mind me beating up on their team tomorrow night.”