A 20-man Trinidad and Tobago squad has been named to travel to Argentina for a live-in training camp on January 21 as the “Soca Warriors step up their preparation for the opening match of the 2010 Final Round of World Cup qualification away to El Salvador on February 11.
Head Coach Francisco Maturana has kept faith with at least ten players who have been part of the team’s 2010 World Cup campaign thus far. But there are some new faces with Clico San Juan Jabloteh midfielder Trent Noel being recalled and there are also first time call ups for Jabloteh defender Robert Primus and W Connection’s Andrei Pacheco. Noel had one appearance in a 2-2 draw with Puerto Rico in January since Maturana’s appointment while Pacheco was part of the 2007 Gold Cup squad.
Puerto Rico Islanders forward Kendall Jagdeosingh has also been invited while there are recalls for 2006 World Cup team midfielder Densill Theobald and French-based winger Kevaughn Connell who is currently unattached but has been in training with French Third Division team Cassis Carnoux.
W Connection goalkeeper Marvin Phillip who suffered a stab wound before the Christmas holidays, is also included and is expected to recover sufficiently to take up training on the upcoming tour.
Newly appointed Assistant Coach Russell Latapy arrives back in Trinidad on the weekend and will accompany the team in a player/coach capacity. Latapy shared his views on the build up to the El Salvador encounter.
“I think it’s an excellent opportunity for the players to come together to prepare for the match against El Salvador. I know it’s a training tour but I would not want any of the players selected to think of it as just a training team or a training trip. They must all go into it with the feeling that it’s a great opportunity for them to fight and earn that place in the final World Cup team,” Latapy told TTFF Media on Monday.
“Personally I’m looking forward to the trip because it’s my first one in this capacity and it’s the first time in quite a while that I will get that opportunity to work and prepare with a National Team since I’ve began playing professionally abroad so from that side of it I’m really excited.
“But at the same time I think it’s important that I sit down with the Head Coach and we can be able to share our views with regards to the preparation of the team. I’m really looking forward to working with him and the rest of the staff and the boys as well. I think if we can both share our views then it allows me to have his respect and he will have mine as well which I think will be excellent for the team and the football in Trinidad and Tobago in general,” Latapy added.
Latapy also shared his thoughts on the amount at stake for players vying for selection on a World Cup team.
“I’ve seen a lot of potential in the boys around now and it’s just a matter of us on the staff now being able to get the team to play the right way to get the right results. I think if we can prepare well and get everyone to understand their respective roles and work in proper execution then we will be in fine shape.
“Back in my day as a younger player now coming into the national set up there wasn’t much opportunities for players to get professional contracts abroad but that’s not the case now and I think there is a lot more at stake for upcoming players now. And you’ve got to enjoy what you are doing. Players can’t always work hard if there’s no time to enjoy it too. There has to be a time to sacrifice and work hard and a time to play and enjoy a bit of it,” Latapy added.
Team for Argentina tour
Goalkeepers
1. Marvin Phillip-W Connection
2. Jan-Michael Williams-Ferencvárosi TC ( Hungary )
Defenders
3. Seon Power-Joe Public
4. Keyeno Thomas-Joe Public
5. Makan Hislop-United Petrotrin
6. Robert Primus-Clico San Juan Jabloteh
7. Andrei Pacheco-W Connection
8. Aklie Edwards-Defence Force
Midfielders
9. Clyde Leon-W Connection
10. Khaleem Hyland-Unattached
11. Osei Telesford-Puerto Rico Islanders
12. Anthony Wolfe-North East Stars
13. Keon Daniel-Unattached
14. Kevaughn Connell-Unattached
15. Densill Theobald-Caledonia AIA
16. Russell Latapy-Player/Coach
17. Trent Noel–Clico San Juan Jabloteh
Forwards
18. Errol McFarlane-Superstar Rangers
19. Kendall Jagdeosingh-Puerto Rico Islanders
20. Cornell Glen–Clico San Juan Jabloteh