Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer

Andre Coley, coach of defending regional Under-15 champions Jamaica, said he is very confident in his team chances of retaining this year's West Indies title.

"I am very confident. I think that we have prepared well under the circumstances," Coley told The Gleaner at a team reception at the Four Seasons Hotel on Saturday.

He added: "We have encountered some problems because of the rain which hampered some parts of our preparation," said Coley. " (But) I think that we have been able to get in enough work so I am very confident enough that the boys will go out there and give a good account of themselves."

The Jamaican team left on Sunday for the tournament which bowls off in Trinidad and Tobago today and Coley says this team, despite only retaining three players, bears similarities to last year's champion unit.

"This team is basically a similar one to the one we had last year. We have three players returning from last season."

Good medium pacers

He added: "We have three very good medium pacers, a couple of all-rounders and eight very good batsmen."

A former national player, Coley added that he is aware of the challenges that lie ahead.

"I think we have to play five limited overs games in seven days and with just two days rest in between. So, I think that we are physically and mentally prepared for this championship."

Michelle Wilson-Reynolds, senior vice-president of Group Marketing at Victoria Mutual which sponsored the team, urged the players to continue to give their best and to make the country proud.

She added: "Apply yourselves, have faith, focus and have confidence in yourself and by doing so, choose people with beliefs and behaviours consistent with integrity and Godliness."

Squad: Jermaine Blackwood (captain), Raji Service, Donovan Nelson, Hanchard Hamilton, Vaneil Bromfield, Paul Palmer, John-Ross Campbell, Tieno Osbourne, Johnoy Spence, Shedon Samuels, Coi Thompson, Dameon Reid, Nickolson Gordon and Jonathan Solomon.

The manager is Robert Lewis.