LES TROIS-ILETS, Martinique — Curacao’s romantic rise in football started two years ago when former Netherlands star Patrick Kluivert coached the Dutch-speaking island through football naivete.

From the mainland in Europe, the former Barcelona striker brought his vast experience as player and coach in 2015 and instilled a sense of belief in those who would later pioneer a coming of age of Curaçao football.

Kluivert, who guided the island through the early phase of the Russia 2018 campaign and Caribbean Cup, left in 2016 to take up a position with Ajax Amsterdam, where he coached his son Justin at the Under-19 level.

He clearly left a blueprint for current coach Remko Bicentini to follow, and with their historic title in the Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup, Kluivert would be a proud architect in the revival of Curacaoan football.

At the Stade Pierre Aliker in Martinique’s capital Fort-de-France on Sunday night, the tiny island shocked champions Jamaica 2-1, spurred by a brace from Elson Hooi in the 10th and 81st minutes.

Jamaica’s equalising goal came from the boot of defender Rosario Harriott.

“This is the first-ever trophy that I won in my life. This is a wonderful feeling for me. All I want to do in professional football is to win trophies, so to do this is a momentous occasion for me,” said an excited Curaçao captain, Cocu Martina.

“As the first Dutch Caribbean island to win the Caribbean Cup this is a moment never to forget.”

The right-back, who figured prominently for his side on Sunday night, credited Jamaica for making the path to the title pursuit challenging.

“I feel we played well in the Caribbean Cup and scored plenty goals… fair play from Jamaica as they made it hard for us.

“Now we plan to focus on Gold Cup (and) we have Jamaica again and know it will be more difficult because they will call up their MLS players, who have more experience, so we will have to be cautious,” said the former Southampton defender.

Martina reflects the hope and aspiration of Curaçao football well as he laid out the plans as his team aim to continue to ride the rising thermals of their fairy tale soar.

“We want to go to quarter-finals of the Gold Cup and that is our first aim. Anything after that is just a bonus. I am a free agent now I know Everton wants me, but I am not sure as yet. I want to just play for Curaçao and then after that then focus back on club football,” noted the 27-year-old.

Gino Van Kessel, the top-scorer in the Caribbean Cup 2017 with seven goals, is beaming with pride for the achievement.

“Being the top scorer in the Caribbean Cup is a dream come true for me. I worked very hard early in the qualifiers and it paid off,” said the Holland-born striker.

Van Kessel knows that when his Caribbean championship team faces Jamaica in Group C of the CONCACAF Gold Cup on July 9, in San Diego, California, the deal will be different.

“We have Jamaica again in the Gold Cup, but I expect a different game. I expect Jamaica to be tougher. We were aware they were not at full strength.

“Now we need to work harder in July in the Gold Cup,” said the former Ajax Amsterdam recruit.

CONCACAF powerhouse Mexico and El Salvador are the other teams in Group C.

The Reggae Boyz were surprise finalists in the 2015 edition of CONCACAF’s marquee tournament, but lost to Mexico 1-3 in Philadelphia at the Lincoln Financial Field.

— Sean Williams