Haiti's under-17 women's national team is carrying on despite the loss of its coach, Jean Yves Labaze, killed when the Haitian soccer federation's headquarters collapsed during last month's earthquake.

The Haitians qualified for the Under-17 Concacaf Women's Championship in Costa Rica next month and they intend to play in the tournament, where they will open against the United States, runner-up at the 2008 world championships, on March 10. The Haitian star is Roselord Bordella, who scored eight goals -- four in four minutes -- in a 24-0 win over the British Virgin Islands in qualifying. Bordella and her teammates have moved to the Dominican Republic capital of Santo Domingo, where they are training for the Concacaf tournament.

"Haiti's participation in this tournament under the most difficult circumstances is a testament to the will and commitment of the Haitian football federation, their players and coaches and the Haitian people," said Concacaf president Jack Warner. "We applaud their perseverance and look forward to working together to rebuild their football program and country."

 

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