National Senior Team head coach Stephen Hart has summed up the 2013 calendar year with the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association as testing in many regards but he remains encouraged by the outlook of the National team ahead of a new year.
Taking on a job where instant gratification is desired, Hart carried the “Warriors” to its best finish at the CONCACAF Gold Cup since 2000 and a leap over Caribbean rivals Jamaica on the FIFA world rankings, following that up with convincing back to back victories over the “Reggae Boyz” at home and away.
A narrow 1-0 loss against eventual 2014 World Cup finalists Mexico and a 2-0 win over Honduras, another World Cup qualifier, at the Gold Cup was by no means something to easily overlook. And then defeating Saudi Arabia on its home territory and guiding T&T to a three-goal comeback against United Arab Emirates in September are also major notes for the T&T football history.
In a statement on Saturday, relaying his thoughts in a nutshell, Hart stated “It’s been a testing period for our football and for me coming into the program just over six months ago, there’s been evident signs of some progress but still nothing close to what is required or what I think is needed for us to be in a position to really challenge the best (in the region). We saw some good performances and the results were okay but there is need for more consistency and we have got to be in a more stable position in terms of knowing how our programs are going to run.”
For 2014, the program promises to be another hectic one for Hart and company and the TTFA intends to orchestrate several moves to aid in the development of the game. Hart believes the support of the Ministry of Sport towards the endeavors will be critical, just like it has been in 2013.
“Collectively we need to work together for successful outcomes to be achieved. To date the Minister Anil Roberts, the Ministry of Sport and the Sportt Company have been supportive of our efforts. I look forward to even further dialog and a sound working relationship, with an aim of bringing the game to its rightful place in CONCACAF. In order to do this we have to do everything in our power to support the players and facilitate International best practices,” Hart added.
“The Minister appears to be very interested in our ambitions to succeed on the football stage and even when there are difficult times, this is always something encouraging for us. His knowledge and support will be an asset.”
The TTFA meantime is expected to have Leo Beenhakker re-enter the set up in January as he embarks on a development program for various areas of the game. He will work with current Technical Director Anton Corneal and the other local coaches.
And according to TTFA General Secretary Sheldon Phillips, matches for January and March are in the planning stages and the TTFA will also launch the “TTFA in the Community” project which includes the ball distribution program with shoreline communities.
“Leo’s arrival in January will reflect new direction that includes establishing 5 -10 year player and coaching development program which is again one of the major objectives set out by President (Raymond) Tim Kee” Phillips stated.