For the first time in their history, Haiti will appear on the Women’s World Cup stage. We take a look at the key figures they will be counting on to ensure they enjoy a memorable debut.
On Saturday 22 July, the nation of Haiti will likely come to a complete standstill, as Les Grenadieres lock horns with England in their first-ever Fifa Women’s World Cup™ match.
When asked about the general mindset of his team, Haiti coach Nicolas Delepine provided a response that was realistic but stirring. “We might be a small nation, but we are on an upward trajectory,” he said. “My players have such a big heart – they have a burning desire to show the world that Haiti exists.”
After surprising onlookers during the Concacaf qualifiers and demonstrating great effectiveness at the Inter-confederation play-offs, particularly in their 2-1 victory over Chile, the Haitians will clearly not be travelling to Australia & New Zealand 2023 just to make up the numbers.
Among the many game-changers present in their squad, Melchie Dumornay, Nerilia Mondesir and Roselord Borgella will certainly give opposition defences something to think about Down Under.
Kerly Theus
Position: Goalkeeper
Date of birth: 7 January 1999
In addition to her obvious talent, imposing goalkeeper Theus is also known for her tremendous work ethic. Bursting with energy, Theus is adept at pulling off reaction saves on her line, but is also comfortable plucking crosses out of the air and rushing out to narrow the angle during one-on-ones.
Despite only turning 24 this year, the Petion-Ville native has no hesitation in adopting an authoritative approach with her defenders. Her high levels of motivation and winning mentality have contributed to her establishing herself as Haiti’s starting ‘keeper.
Kethna Louis
Position: Defender
Date of birth: 5 August 1996
A former attacker converted into a defender, Louis is as strong going forward as she is commanding at the back, where her heading prowess, excellent timing and unfailing determination make her a force to be reckoned with.
The centre-back fulfils a dual role in the Grenadieres line-up, helping to back up her teammates during attacks and rigorously protecting her own penalty area when defending. Louis has developed physically over the past few years, improving her aggression, energy and discipline.
Hard-working and diligent in her marking and positioning, and able to take on and respect instructions from her backroom staff, she exudes a real feeling of security, but also knows when to move into space as soon as it becomes available.
Melchie Dumornay
Position: Midfielder
Date of birth: 17 August 2003
“Not a word of a lie, Melchie Dumornay is the best player that I’ve ever coached,” said Reims coach Amandine Miquel, perfectly summing up the potential of the young Haitian. Arguably the revelation of the season in the French top flight, the precocious 19-year-old scored an impressive 11 goals in 17 league appearances.
An attack-minded midfielder, Dumornay is renowned for her exceptional technique, ability to orchestrate play and outstanding passing skills. She is also highly proficient at beating or getting away from her marker in tight spaces, often through the use of mesmerising step-overs.
Consistently strong in her national team jersey, she hopes to shine in equal measure for her new club Lyon, with whom she recently signed a three-year contract with.
Nerilia Mondesir
Position: Forward
Date of birth: 17 January 1999
Mondesir, captain of the Haitian national side, boasts all the attributes of the complete modern forward, and Delepine never tires of singing her praises: “She’s got good technical skills, strikes the ball well and moves around the pitch brilliantly”.
‘Nerigol’, as she is affectionately nicknamed by the Haitian fans, has a number of strings to her football bow, including an ability to drop deep and receive the ball into feet. Difficult to defend against when in full flow, the Montpellier player is also something of a penalty-box predator, scoring 93 per cent of her goals from inside the area during the 2022/23 season.
Roselord Borgella
Position: Forward
Date of birth: 1 April 1993
Roselord Borgella was a key figure in Haiti’s historic Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign, notching 13 goals in eight matches, a tally that shot the 30-year-old to the top of the Concacaf scoring charts.
The Leogane-born forward offers a significant aerial threat, an explosive burst of pace and a touch of unpredictability. She began her career as a right-back, a position in which she put her speed and combativeness to good use, before she moved back into a more central attacking role, alongside a second striker.