Charleston Battery defender Benji Ettienne has been called up by the Grenada Men’s National Team again for a historic pair of friendlies in Europe.
The Spice Boys will face off against Gibraltar and Andorra on March 23 and March 28, respectively, in Grenada’s first time competing outside the Concacaf region.
The trip to the Iberian Peninsula during the international window comes as Grenada prepare for the opening of the 2022-23 Concacaf Nations League. Ettienne, who is also visiting Europe for the first time, is excited about the transatlantic journey.
“It feels amazing to be back with the national team, it’s always an honor whenever you get called up to represent your country,” said Ettienne. “Being a part of this historic moment for us is another dream come true for me.
“Not only do we get to put ourselves out on the map, we will help give exposure for our country and inspire future talents who come after us.”
The 19-year-old has made five appearances with the national team, debuting for Grenada during the Concacaf qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup against the U.S. Virgin Islands on March 30, 2021. In total, he’s appeared in two World Cup qualifiers and three Gold Cup matches.
Ettienne will train and compete with the national team through March 28 before returning to Charleston ahead of the April 1 match against Las Vegas Lights FC.
The defender looks forward to using the journey against European competition to further refine his craft.
“I will use these matches to improve as an individual and take in as much information possible to help both club and country be successful,” said Ettienne.
Grenada will kick off against Gibraltar at Victoria Stadium in Gibraltar on March 23 at 1 p.m. ET. The Spice Boys will then travel to Andorra to face the Tricolors at the Estadi Nacional on March 28 at 2 p.m. ET.