PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad: Digicel, sponsors of Caribbean football, has confirmed the schedule of Digicel international matches to take place in the Caribbean next week and arranged by the Caribbean mobile operator as part of their ongoing commitment to the development of sports in the region.

Taking advantage of the March FIFA window timeframe and organised in association with national football federations associations and leagues, the Digicel International Matches provide Caribbean and Central American teams the rare opportunity to play against each other as they prepare for the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup, and have one eye firmly on FIFA World Cup 2010 qualification.

Digicel has leveraged its partnership with the CFU and it’s affiliates after the most successful Digicel Caribbean Cup tournament in history and with UNCAF and it’s affiliates in its Central American equivalent tournament, the Copa de Naciones Digicel 2007 to make the games possible.

The first of the Digicel International Matches will see Guadeloupe take on 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers Trinidad & Tobago on Saturday, March 24 in Gosier, Guadeloupe with a 7pm kick off time.

Then, on Sunday, March 25 at 8pm in the National Stadium in Bridgetown Barbados, the second Digicel International match is scheduled between Barbados and Central American side Guatemala who finished third in the Copa Naciones de Digicel 2007.

The third and final Digicel International Match will take place on Monday, March 26 with an 8pm kick off in the National Stadium “The Office” in Kingston, where Jamaica will play hosts to the Central American side Panama.

Soca Warrior coach and former Dutch World Cup star Wim Rijsbergen has welcomed the upcoming Digicel friendly stating: “Every game is a plus for us as we prepare for the Gold Cup particularly after the break in the programme. We have been training everyday since Sunday and the players are all eager to do well. This Digicel International match against Guadeloupe on Saturday gives us a chance to get back into the habit of getting positive results.”

His sentiments were shared by Soca Warrior captain Densil Theobald: "It's obviously a nice exercise because both teams are preparing for the Gold Cup. We didn't face Guadeloupe in the Digicel Cup so it should be a good test for us. They will be at home and I think they will be up for it.”

Courtesy of their fourth place finish in the Digicel Caribbean Cup 2007, Guadeloupe qualified for their first ever CONCACAF Gold Cup. The fact that they are now facing one of the stronger sides in the Caribbean and second place finishers in the Digicel Caribbean Cup 2007, is not deterring former French international star and Guadeloupe playmaker Jocelyn Angloma.

“It was great to be involved in the Digicel Caribbean Cup and to be involved in helping the team qualify to the Gold Cup. Obviously it means so much to us as it is the first time our country has ever progressed to that stage so I am simply honoured to be part of that accomplishment. The fact that Digicel are now providing more games for us to help develop our progression and preparation for the Gold Cup is really fantastic,” said Jocelyn Angloma.

Digicel has also arranged discounted tickets for its customers in Jamaica and Guadeloupe at their respective Digicel International matches when they show their handset at the gates for the games as well as providing its usual mix of fan entertainment and competitions.

The Reggae Boyz vs Panama game will be aired live on Fox Soccer Channel in the USA and will be also broadcast live in Trinidad and Tobago, Panama and Jamaica.