SWQ Thunder goalkeeper Brandon Sumpter makes international debut

From Toowoomba to Barbados - meet the Garden City player living out his international dream as he makes his mark at the grandest football stage in the world.

Brandon Sumpter in action for Barbados. Picture: Alison Ince Photography

South West Queensland Thunder goalkeeper Brandon Sumpter’s career reached incredible new heights in the recent round of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers as he was called up to make his debut for Barbados.

Sumpter was delighted to earn the opportunity to represent his home country in two key match-ups.

“It was amazing, I was in shock really, it was a really good experience and I’m very privileged to be selected for the team and it was a quite a happy experience,” he said.

“I was sort of trying for the last two and a half years to be selected and luckily the new head coach - the interim head coach at the moment Kent Hall - he used to coach me when I was younger.

“He had a bit of an understanding of who I was and how I played so I thought maybe it was a bit easier for me to get selected this time in terms of having someone on the inside to know that I’m reliable enough.”

Sumpter said it was a special moment lining up for the national anthem before the game started.

“It’s just unreal honestly, because you’re standing there representing the country you were born in and lived in for 13 years - it’s a surreal moment really,” he said.

“We played Curacao and Haiti, which are the two highest ranking teams in our pool and unfortunately we lost 4-1 to Curacao and 3-1 to Haiti.”

Not even two tough fixtures could wipe the smile off the 21-year-old’s face as made the most of an incredible experience.

“After the game, I signed a few shirts and signed my gloves and threw them into the crowd, so it was like a really cool moment,” Sumpter said.

Sumpter represented Barbados at youth level and said it was a major driving factor towards him striving for international honours.

Brandon Sumpter (right) before a FIFA World Cup Qualifier for Barbados. Picture: Supplied.

“Ever since then (representing Barbados under-17s in 2019), I’ve been gunning to try and make it onto the squad and represent my country,” he said.

Sumpter believes the incredible experience has helped develop him as a goalkeeper and is excited to further develop with the Thunder.

“Playing against the players on the other teams, they’re all professional players and they’re training full-time,” he said.

“So it just shows that I can play at that level and it was just a good experience as well that I can do it if I keep working hard.

“I am definitely looking at trying to put my best foot forward and playing professionally again and work from there.”