No Hait here: Rival fan excited for Scots clash

A HAITIAN who has lived in Scotland for the last 11 years has said it is “extremely cool” to hear the two countries being mentioned in the same breath in the run-up to their first World Cup match.

- BY NICK FORBES

Speaking at her home in Edinburgh, Leilani Taneus-Miller said she has been pleasantly surprised by the interest Scots have shown in their first-round opponents, saying: “Everyone is talking about Haiti and Scotland.”

She was speaking as members of the Haitian community prepare to gather in Edinburgh ahead of the match.

The writer, who first came to the UK 23 years ago, also said she was thrilled people recognise how much it means for the Caribbean country to be playing in its first World Cup since 1974 — a wait of 52 years.

“Before the World Cup, the words Haiti and Scotland rarely featured in conversations, so I think it’s extremely cool that now it’s billboard quality,” she said.

“Everyone is talking about Haiti and Scotland, so I’ll always be grateful myself for football, bringing this visibility to Haitian talent, which is always there, you know.