Montreal: Haitian Community Ready to Challenge Rwanda at SOKAFEST 2023

Montreal – On the field, the energy is palpable, smiles shine, and flags wave. For the Haitian soccer team, it’s not just a match: it’s an affirmation of identity, a moment of sharing, and a bridge toward other cultures. Behind this dynamic, one man plays an essential role: Ben, a passionate coach, who agreed to open the doors to his world.

“My name is Ben. I am the coach of the Haitian team,” he says simply, but with contained pride. His journey with the team began almost by chance, through a friend who invited him to join a community sports project. “I was very happy to receive the invitation. It gave us joy, even if we were a bit caught off guard,” he confides.

Even if the whole community is not yet aware of the ongoing initiatives, the players’ enthusiasm more than makes up for this lack of visibility. “The team is preparing very well. We play almost every day. Even today, we have a match, and then we’ll share a meal. The guys are ready, physically and mentally.”

The players don’t limit themselves to just one league: you can find them both in the Haitian League and in the Latino League. “They’re everywhere,” sums up the coach with a smile. This consistency, combined with unwavering commitment, reflects a visceral passion for the beautiful game.

For Ben, soccer goes beyond sports: it embodies a deep part of Haitian identity. “Soccer is part of our culture, a bit like in Brazil. It’s easier to find a soccer ball than a basketball. We start playing very young, and there is a lot of talent.”

However, he adds: “The lack of development structures sometimes slows the rise of our players at the international level. But I think one day, it will happen.”

Thus, the sport becomes a way to build bonds not only within the diaspora but also with other communities. “All Black people come from Africa,” he says. “It’s important to learn the culture of other countries and share ours. It enriches everyone.”

Beyond competition, soccer represents for Ben a real lifeline in a society where daily pressures weigh heavily. “Whenever I have a problem, soccer is my escape. After a match, I joke with my friends, I feel free. We live in a country where winter is long and sometimes stressful. But soccer is what keeps me going.”

The coach also emphasizes the importance of the cultural and educational dimension of the activities organized. “Each time, I discover images, symbols, museums I didn’t know about. It teaches me about history, about culture. And it enriches not only me but also my community.”

Even though challenges remain — from organization to visibility to infrastructure — Ben keeps an optimistic vision. According to him, soccer is destined to become an ever-stronger vehicle of influence and unity for Haitians, both in the homeland and in the diaspora.

“We have a different history, but the fact of interacting with others, exchanging, helps us grow. Soccer is not just a sport: it’s a school of life.”