Haitian team even the basics are luxuries

During his first few days as coach of the national team, Haiti's Jairo Rios asked his players to stay hydrated, eat well and rest.

It was routine advice that he had doled out several times as a coach. But the Colombian national soon found that in Haiti, these orders weren't carried out so simply.

"It's been difficult working with players who struggle to make one meal a day, let alone three," Rios said. "Sometimes they don't even have water to drink."

Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the Americas. About 80 percent of the population lives in poverty, according to The CIA World Factbook.

Rios indicated that many of its inhabitants lack essential resources such as water, electricity and food.

"The Haitian is in need of everything but is practically forgotten by the world," he said. "Even so, I admire the Haitian because he is happy, joyful and without resentment. He doesn't complain or cry like we do."

The lack of funds, however, has made it difficult to establish an infrastructure needed to maintain a national soccer team.

Haiti needs basic equipment such as balls and cones. Items considered necessities in other places, such as gyms, are a luxury, Rios said.

Most players on the Haitian team that is facing Mexico today in the Gold Cup quarterfinals participate in their home country's professional league, where Rios said the highest-paid player makes $200 a month.

That is why the Gold Cup has turned into a perfect platform for Haiti's players to showcase their talent in front of other countries. Professional teams have started to notice, Rios said.

In turn, the coach seeks to continue helping Haitian soccer evolve.

Rios coached several pro clubs in Honduras before reaching an agreement to lead Haiti for the year's last qualifier.

Since his arrival, Rios has felt that he has much to offer Haitian soccer through his coaching experiences and knowledge. He also feels that Haiti has had a lot to offer him personally.

"My life has changed a lot," he said. "I'm a different person. I place more value on my family, my country and everything that God has given me."